The older I get, the closer I get to God

May 2, 2016

“The older I get, the closer I get to God,” says Emma Powell, 65. She is sitting in the Josephine P. Argento Senior Center of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago in south suburban Harvey, flanked by two women with whom she is very close: her mother, Evelena Brown, age 85, and her grandmother, Annie Davis, age 103. The three-generation group is a familiar sight on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when they take the Thornton Township bus from their home in South Holland to the Argento Center, located in Catholic Charities’ Bernardin Manor senior apartment complex. The trio has a favorite table where they meet with friends to share food, activities and conversation.

Emma learned about the center eight years ago, from a Thornton Township newsletter. She was looking for a senior service program for Annie who had come to live with Emma in her ranch home after suffering a stroke. Emma’s mother, Evelena, also lives with her; though she often stays overnight at the fam­ily home on Chicago’s South Side with some of her other children.

Annie had only one child, Evelena. But Evelena had nine children, so Annie is now a great, great, great-grandmother! Emma is Evelena’s second eldest, and has six children of her own. The younger generations look after their elders by cleaning the South Holland home on the weekends and preparing meals for Annie, Evelena and Emma to enjoy during the week.

“I’m trying to sow seeds of peace and love,” Emma says of her positive relationship with her adult children. As the primary caretaker for Annie and Evelena, Emma knows that the time will come when she herself will need help, and she is glad to know her children will be there for her.

What advice do these three remarkable women have for other seniors? “I like being old,” Emma laughs. She enjoys using senior discounts and services like the Township bus. “You don’t need a lot of money to live,” she explains. Because the three women live together, they pool their Social Security income. They also live frugally, shopping at resale stores and visiting Catholic Charities’ South Holland food pantry and clothing room. “Learn to help each other, eat right, and keep yourself busy,” Emma adds.

“What kept me going was my children,” Evelena says. For Annie, socializing and exercise are impor­tant. She only uses a wheelchair part of the time and tries to walk as much as possible. One more thing that keeps these women strong and connected is daily, shared prayer. “She (Annie) prays, I sing and Mama (Evelena) will read,” Emma says.

Giving thanks for the gift of a long life – and loved ones with whom to enjoy it – is the best advice of all.

Haennicke, Sheila Black. “Senior Feature: Three Generations Enjoy Aging.” Keenager News 44.8 (Sept. 2012): 1, 4. Print.

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