Jack’s Winning Words 9/12/22 “Old people just grow lonesome  Waiting for someone to say, ‘Hello in there..hello.”  (John Prine song)  Thank you, son David, for introducing me to the music of the late John Prine.  He was a magician when it came to writing  lyrics.  “When I get to heaven I’m gonn a shake God’s hand…and then I’m gonna find a guitar and start a rock and roll band.”  “Hello in there” is a song about lonesome old people who have stories to tell…if only someone would listen.  Old trees grow stronger and old rivers grower wider, but some of the older people grow more lonesome.  Take a look around you.  Is there someone waiting for you to say, “Hello?”  it’s surprising what can happen when we speak first.  ;-)  Jack  FROM JU IN NC:    While on a mission summer in Cleveland our group visited a retirement home and had an opportunity to play a couple of games of checkers with a gentleman who immigrated from Spain.  The next week coming to work at the Lutheran church where were staying, we were taken in by the entire property, which had become run down, as cleaned and trimmed.  Walking around to the backyard, we we came upon this gentleman who had spent his life in landscaping with a pair of clippers and rake.  All we did was play a game of checkers.===JACK:  Just a game of checkers, but HOW important to that man.  If we could only see through the eyes of others.....we'd do some things differently. FROM QUILTING CAROL:  Oh, these words are SO appropriate after we just spent a week-end in IL visiting friends and family.  We aren’t getting any younger and those we visited aren’t either!  Had a delightful visit with Bob’s aunt who is 104 years old.  We asked about what she did in her last job as City Clerk for North Chicago and oh, the stories she shared with a smile!  She retired from that job 39 years ago!  We visited with friends in Woodstock – some who have lost their spouses and still live in their big homes alone.  Yes, they are lonely looking for someone to visit with them! From there we went to the Rockford area to help my older sister celebrate her 90th birthday.  There weren’t any quiet moments at that party and the three of us sisters that are left sure enjoyed our cherished time together.  First time we’ve seen and touched each since before the pandemic – AWESOME!  Oh, there were a lot of stories and memories shared over this weekend by a lot of ‘old people’!  Thank you for sharing this!  Have an awesome day! ===JACK:  An awesome response.  Woodstock reminds of your pastor there who kept an alarm clock in the pulpit, set to give a loud ring when the sermon had gone on long enough.  It also reminds me3 of Groundhog Day.  I was also interested to read about Bob's aunt.  I've been aiming for 103 (in order to beat my mother),  I can just imagine the cacophony when you and your sisters get together! FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Good WW today. I'm so fortunate to have close and caring family and friends!! I have a 93 yes old friend who needs my caring friendship as her family are In AZ!===JACK:  I was going to write: "Once a pastor's wife, always a pastor's wife.....BUT, a part of your personality is the willingness to reach out to where you see a need.  I hope that people reach out to you in your needs, too. FROM ER IN SJ:  Tear jerker for a Monday morning.===JACK:  I like it how John Prine is able to put feelings into music.  Can you think of any songs that do that for you?