From The Editor
Mother's Day
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." ~Abraham LincolnThrough thick and thin, Mom has always been there for me. When I was a child, frightened by nightmares, she comforted me. With every important decision that has hung heavy on my mind, she has offered sage advice. When I lost my job at 48 years of age, she helped us -- financially, emotionally and spiritually. She has a knack for finding the silver lining behind any dark cloud. She has taught me much, and still I learn from her every day.
Of course, as I type these words, I have yet to get anything for my dear mother for Mother's Day (or my wife, for that matter). I'm a procrastinator by nature (a trait I did not inherit from Mom), and as such, always wait until the very last minute to do my shopping, whether it is for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays or Mother's Day. But if it is truly the thought that counts, I'm doing pretty well, because I regularly think about what I need to do, I just don't always act quickly enough.
And the clock is ticking...
In honor of Mother's Day, four of our writers -- Larry Behnke, Allysen Kerr, Wendy Norman and Sarah Henderson -- share their thoughts and feelings about their moms.
You will also find in this edition of Senior Times our monthly veteran profile. Allison Candreva paid a visit to a High Springs resident who was among the very first to serve in the women Marine Corps during World War II.
Although April was Volunteer Month, it is never too late to learn about the Peace Corps. Senior Times intern Allysen Kerr provides us with some information about this organization that was formed in 1960. She visited with Purita Dayawon, who joined the corps at 59 years of age. Find out why the Peace Corps could always use some Senior volunteers.
There is a unique event coming in July -- a solar eclipse -- and the best place to see it (hold onto your rickshaws!) is in China. Howard Cohen, who is an emeritus professor in UF's Department of Astronomy, and a tour guide, shares his unique perspective on this mysterious event. But it is best to see it now, because the next significant solar eclipse will not occur until 2132.
The Gainesville Civic Chorus has been entertaining audiences since 1977. I recently spoke with some of the key players in this organization. On May 23, the group offers its "Spirit of America, Songs of the People" performance. The show promises to "Celebrate the memories of those we love, of those who sacrificed in war and of our forebears who exuded in faith to establish this country." The chorus will also sing gospel music of African Americans, folk songs, patriotic ballads and hymns of early America.
So sit back and enjoy this edition of Senior Times -- it's time for me to do some shopping. §
