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WELCOME TO 2 0 0 7 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (an inspirational story shared by J. S. , an alumni parent)
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know. Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don’t agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family, for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I’ve aged, I’ve become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend. I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s and 60’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love….I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say “no,” and mean it. I can say “yes,” and mean it. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think and I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become! I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what has been, or could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. Today, I wish you another day of ordinary miracles!
WEATHER REPORT
Snow Snow and sun Still very cold but we're getting busy .... SHORT VACATION After December graduation some students went home for visits and others spend the time at MBA participating in a variety of activities: volunteer work, movie trips, skiing and snow boarding on Mount Bachelor Mountain, swimming at Kahneeta resort, Christmas and New Year celebration, wilderness trips , lifesteps etc.
Making holidays cards Winter is warm at the Warm Springs reservation
DEEDICATION AWARD Mount Bachelor Academy awards a staff member six times per year with a very special recognition of their commitment and contributions to our community. We use our word “deedication” to remind us all that it is what we do (our deeds) not what we say we do that makes all the difference. Executive Assistant, Carla Culpepper has just received the “Deedication Award” and was referred to as the “glue that keeps the whole MBA community together”. Students and staff members all gathered to shower Carla with reminders of how much her hard work means to us and facilitates our lives. Congratulations Carla.
For more pictures from WINTER2007 click here
For more picture from FALL 2006 click here
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