Mary's Blog

This blog post is for Mary.

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church

Mary, I met you at Saint Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church this past Sunday (Nov. 18, 2012). You sat in one of the back pews near me and my wife Ellaine. We didn't really speak or notice each other until after the church services had ended and we were walking out. You had stopped to speak to my grandma Victoria. Her English was as good as your Greek. I saw both of you trying to talk and, when I walked over, you engaged me in conversation.

I listened to you, Mary. Something so simple, yet so dear to you. You told me that you had 8 adult children and not one of them bothered to call or contact you. Your husband was a Greek doctor. He died at some point, but you didn't tell me from what. Your right arm was trembling terribly and it was hard for me to ignore. You told me that you are suffering from Lyme's Disease due to being bitten by either a white mouse or a tick from a mouse. I don't remember exactly what you said about contracting the disease other than it happened during one of your gardening sessions. From what you were saying to me, I could sense you are an educated and well-spoken woman. It was saddening to me to hear that not only did you lose your husband, but none of your children make any time for you. All you wanted was someone to listen.



Icon of Mary

You mentioned that you currently live in Shannondell. It seems like a well-to-do senior community from what I've researched online. I'm sorry that you feel isolated there. It is hard for me to imagine that you have no one to talk to—absolutely no one? Not even a friendly neighbor? You're a very amiable person and I don't understand why no one wants to (or seems not to want to) talk to you. You don't ask for much, just a sympathetic ear to listen to your story, your personal plight. I wish more people would be charitable with their time and lend you a few moment of conversation. I tried to talk to you, but grandma kept pulling me away. She thought you were crazy. She felt uncomfortable and wanted us to go. She didn't understand the Lyme's Disease and its effect on your nervous system. I apologized.

Mary, I promised I would try to help you in some way. I know you did not ask for money and I don't have any money to even treat my wife to a movie, but you were so gracious to offer money of your own just for having me listen to you. I kindly and respectfully turned down your offer, because that is not the Christian thing to do. I want to help you for no other reason than to bring some stability in your life and happiness. You seem like such a nice woman. I hope to see you in church again next Sunday, like we agreed.

I did some research online and found the following information that I hope and pray will help you:

Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center
Address:	580 Delmont Ave. Warminster, PA 18974
Contact:	Jayne Taylor, Center Manager 215-672-8380
Web:	www.wilsonseniorcenter.com
Bensalem Senior Citizens Center
Address:	1850 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA 19020
Contact:	Bonnie Nase, Center Manager 215-638-7720
Bristol Township Senior Center
Address:	PO Box 1078 Levittown, PA 19058 2501 Bath Road, Bristol
Contact:	Bonnie Worth, Center Manager 215-785-6322
Web:	www.theyounginheart.com
Central Bucks Senior Center
Address:	700 Shady Retreat Rd. Doylestown, PA 18901
Contact:	Edward Shean, Center Manager 215-348-0565
Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, Inc.
Address:	8040 Rt. 611, PO Box 545 Ottsville, PA 18942
Contact:	Kim Gaspar, Center Manager 610-847-8178
Falls Township Senior Center
Address:	282 Trenton Road P.O. Box 26 Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Contact:	Cecilia Murphy, Center Manager 215-547-6563
Web:	www.fallstwpseniorcenter.org
Lower Bucks Senior Activity Center
Address:	Wood and Mulberry Sts. Bristol, PA 19007
Contact:	Gail Aufschlag, Center Manager 215-788-9238
Middletown Senior Citizens Center
Address:	Former Municipal Bldg. - 2142 Trenton Rd. Levittown, PA 19056
Contact:	Lydia Konopka, Center Manager 215-945-2920
Morrisville Senior Servicenter
Address:	Borough Annex 31 E. Cleveland Ave. Morrisville, PA 19067
Contact:	Patt Schell, Center Manager 215-295-0567
Web:	www.morrisvilleseniors.org
Neshaminy Senior Citizens Center
Address:	1842 Brownsville Rd. Trevose, PA 19053
Contact:	Donna Kahhan, Center Manager 215-355-6967
Northampton Township Senior Center
Address:	165 Township Road Richboro, PA 18954
Contact:	Sheila Jobs, Center Manager 215-357-8199
Pennridge Senior Center
Address:	146 E. Main St. Silverdale, PA 18962 (Mailing Address: 146 East Main Street Perkasie, PA 18944-5421)
Contact:	Debbie Scollon, Center Manager 215-453-7027 215-453-7028

These are some of the Bucks County senior citizen centers and the contact information for each. I know you said that you don't have or use a computer, so maybe you can give them a telephone call and reach out. I look for more information and pass it along to you this coming Sunday. I only wish I could do more, but this is the best advice I can offer you:

• continue to take your medication for Lyme's Disease
• continue to go to church and stay for coffee hour
• continue to seek help and guidance from the Orthodox priests
• attend social events to meet more people (you'll find a sympathetic ear in the crowd)
• always look on the bright side of life and let not your heart be troubled

Even though your beloved husband passed away and none of your children bother to keep in touch, I hope you will not give up on this life and continue to live for yourself. Remember your gardening and the pleasure it brought you to raise and nurture flowers. Be the light and rain for those flowers. You have a purpose to your life and you should make the most of every day, even if you need to find quiet moment of happiness on your own. May God bless you and guide you to people who will listen. Don't lose faith.

Christ is with you always and you are not alone, Mary.

~Andrew K.