Comments on: Kerrying On: One-tooth Ree

By: Lynda

Lynda — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:20:27 +0000

Agreed, you are a master storyteller Mr. Patterson! Vital Smarts is so fortunate to have you! Your humble, heartfelt stories are gems to your readers. Thank you so much.

By: Eva B.

Eva B. — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:55:38 +0000

What a nice article.
I work with older adults and truly enjoy the stories they have.
On the other hand, it is not always as easy with the closest family. I once had my 83 year old father in a car, and it was going to be a 3 hour drive. I asked a simple question: “so, tell me what grandma used to cook for lunch when you were young?”. At first, he did not believe I would be interested. Once he started talking, I realized I had no idea how different life in a small village was back then, 70 years ago. It turned out to be a great starter to more talks that followed, and I heard many interesting stories about my Dad’s youth. I wrote them down for my kids to cherish once they reach “certain age”.

By: Name Withheld

Name Withheld — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:59:36 +0000

It’s wonderful to read the other comments on this site about the value of others. Please permit me to point out a bit of irony in that regard. You invited the Nielsons to share their life with you and welcomed them into your heart. Mr. Nielson made the statement, “Not that people don’t need to be greeted. It’s just that we have so much more to offer.”

Is there more we can offer than to be “greeters” in life? To invite people to a place where they can feel they belong and to welcome them into our hearts? The Nielsons do have a lot to offer and they have been given an opportunity to use all their experience to “greet” others the way you have greeted them.

By: Robyn Becker

Robyn Becker — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:54:45 +0000

One of your best columns. As we move to our “place by the fire”, we need to remember those that have been seated there before us. Their wisdom and grace can not be underestimated.

By: Shirley LaVergne

Shirley LaVergne — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:35:21 +0000

I loved this article and plan to share it. Thanks so much!

By: Dan Brunet

Dan Brunet — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:59:54 +0000

A great story Kerry, as always. This one in particular touched me. I always try to ask questions to allow the other person to talk and tell their story. I will be even more committed after reading this. Thanks for your continued writing Kerry.
Dan Brunet

By: Karen Saleh

Karen Saleh — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:27:10 +0000

What a beautiful piece of wisdom. Older people used to be valued and revered for their wisdom. Even the Bible tells us to value the silver-haired members of our community. What has happened to our society? Now that I, too, am nearing retirement in a few years, I am even beginning to feel that the younger staff do not always respect my opinion. I am sure that when I was young, I probably rolled my eyes at the older nurses, but now being “older” at age 58, I feel the rolling eyes!! Well, it’s now my job to revere those older than I and hopefully encourage the younger crowd to do the same. Thanks Kerry….what an encouraging article…Bless you.

By: Ellen Woods

Ellen Woods — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:54:10 +0000

Marvelous article! We all have a life story, both young and old, and it’s the asking of the bigger questions that are seldom asked that bring us to new views and shared experiences. I loved this article.

By: Rose

Rose — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:03:10 +0000

This was a marvelous story and oh so true about the untapped wisdom. I couldn’t help but think that I would love to read Betsy’s work and see their musical. Maybe there’s a new career there afterall.

By: Woodstock Bob

Woodstock Bob — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:08:47 +0000

Great story; that really hit a nerve with me since I’m now approaching that age of being ovelooked, though I desperately want to remain in the game and contribute. thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!