Page 18 - IAV Digital Magazine #504

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
Senior Citizen Shares His Words
Senior Citizen Shares His Words
of Wisdom To Help Brighten
of Wisdom To Help Brighten
Spirits at Assisted Living Facility
Spirits at Assisted Living Facility
By Michelle Backus, ORE- GON, Ohio —
The coronavirus pandemic is taking a large toll on many people's mental health including senior citi- zens. However, one partic- ular senior citizen at the Landings of Oregon wants to turn all of that negativity into positivity. He wants to start seeing people smile again.
“Perhaps you will forget tomorrow, the kind words you say today, but the recipient will remember them for a lifetime,” read Gene Wilbarger as he con- tinued flipping pages.
Gene is taking a page out of his own book; a book that's been over 10 years in the making. The 94- year-old has been collect- ing quotes, words of wis- dom and advice in a note- book.
As the pandemic continues and spirits are low, Gene thought his assisted living facility needed this book now more than ever. That's exactly why he started sharing it with everyone. "The people that work here I think need a little boost once in a while, ya know, make them feel
better. That's how I got
started with this,” explained Gene.
Gene’s efforts to spread kindness worked.
Jamie Dale was the first staff member to see Gene’s book at the Landings of Oregon. She was overwhelmed by his sweet gestures.
"He brought down the book for everyone to
share. He's brought down other things for people to look at. He wrote a won- derful letter to our staff telling us that we could get through this time and he's always available to talk, " explained Dale.
Gene's labeled his note- book "Life happens, and other unavoidable truths."
It seems rather fitting given the circumstances right now. However, the words inside are carrying some big meaning. He's sharing inspiration with nurses, other residents and just about anyone who needs a boost in their mood.
Ellen Wilbarger was not surprised to hear what her father was doing. Gene gave her her own book of inspiration when she was younger.
"That's just the way my
dad has always been. I mean, he likes to make people feel better. He tries to adjust every situation and make the best of everything so that's just his way of making people smile,” said Wilbarger.
The sayings Gene shared were becoming so popular, his assisted living facility started sharing them on their Facebook page each day.
"If I can help can anybody by this, just to feel a little bit better than fine. I think that’s why God is even keeping me here,” said Gene.
Gene says he has bad days just like everyone else. The pandemic has made it hard for him to see his family. However, he tries not to dwell on it.
The 94-year-old also has a piece of advice for anyone struggling right now as well: "It's time to think about others and someday they will thank you. And maybe you can be the one to save a life. So just hang in there because better days are coming but we just don't know when.”
Happy Senior Citizens’ Day • August 21, 2020 • Friday
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine