A tradition is forming

It appears that a tradition is forming: whereby the last week in May (what I call Memorial Day week). I spend that week visiting with Iowa relatives, visiting the burial sites of my brother and my parents, reconnecting with my north Des Moines roots which this year included a stop at Epworth United Methodist Church and the Highland Park Library now the North Side Library where my mother once took me to get my first library card, searching through materials for exploring family roots plus any other activities we agree to do in part because Uncle Don is visiting. Transportation provided by my sister-in-law. All this assumes I’m alive and my body cooperates with the travel by car.

MY RESIGNATION FROM ALL ELDERS UNITED FOR JUSTICE
June 2. I did not want to resign from All Elders. During my Memorial Day week in Iowa I experienced an epiphany of sorts. I realized I needed to resign. Back in the day, Vic Rosenthal was a frequent guest at the monthly meetings of the Minneapolis Regional Retirees Council (AFL-CIO). That’s how I learned about him and his interest in possibly filling the void left by the demise of the Minnesota Senior Federation if he could detect statewide interest – which he did through focus groups. It’s how I learned that he wanted MRRC to have representation on what was an All Elders Steering Committee which eventually became a Board of Directors once All Elders became a registered non-profit with the State of Minnesota. I was one of two MRRC members who agreed to supply MRRC representation.

But then Vic died. Shortly thereafter I found myself as the only MRRC representative on the All Elders Board. I even chaired the All Elders Care Giving Committee whose advocacy focus is on the quality or lack of quality care in nursing home, assisted living and home care settings. Given my background, I was in my wheel house. Rather than quit showing up to meetings, my resignation decision is in writing. Something I can share with anyone who is interested. My decision came down to a matter of priorities.

At the end of this column you can start reading that I am currently a member of the SEIU Health Care for MN/IA Retiree Council from which I serve as a delegate to the Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council (AFl-CIO). And if you have read this far you have taken the plunge into the river (flow) of life experiences which is Stories and Journeys.

I BOUGHT A BASKETBALL FOR ME TO ... ?
While visiting my Iowa relatives I discovered my niece has a basket at her house next to her driveway. At my request, she set me up along with others to shoot baskets. In my case using my walker named Rick for balance while avoiding abnormal twisting of my spine. Turns out that even with my physical limitations my passion for shooting is alive. And I can still make baskets. So, when I got home I bought a basketball even though I don’t own a basket. I can dribble the ball and shoot it toward a mark I imagine to be above my garage door. There’s more to this story as in how I learned to shoot from my father who was a standout amateur basketball player in Des Moines and the head basketball coach at Des Moines North High School back in the day.

So, dear reader, have you ever done something you felt compelled to do without fully understanding what you were doing or why? Tell yourself, tell others or tell me via tesha@tmcpub.com.

LONGFELLOW SEWARD HEALTHY SENIORS MOVe
It’s happening even as I am writing. Their new location by the time this column gets published is at St. Peders Lutheran Church, 4600-E.42nd St.

MISSING MINNESOTA HOUSE SPEAKER HORTMAN
Her assassination took place one year ago. I still feel her loss from public life.

ELDER VOICES (TELLING OUR STORIES/SHARING OUR JOURNEYS) NEXT MEET UP
I checked out Fireroast Cafe. Not enough room if a small group shows up. Difficult for me to navigate getting in and out and moving around with my walker Rick. Next meet-up to check out will be Friday, June 26 and July 31, 10-11 a.m. at Turtle Bread, 4752Chicago Ave. Look for the table with the Elders sign.
In gratitude.

Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the SEUI Health Care for MN/IA Retiree Council and Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council.