Oliver shares his journey at Golden K meeting
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By Judy Sielaff
For The Daily News
KINGSFORD -- The word Advent means "expectation." What Advent can do for us is create a sense of hope. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. When things seem impossible, choose hope.
The Golden K gathered Monday morning with a song in their heart and hope in their lives.
Kathy Jo Anderson, chairperson, called the meeting. The singing continued as Alyce Derwinski accompanied the chorus on the piano with a selection of Christmas songs.
Anderson introduced the day's guests, Paul Oliver, Joan Oliver and Kristen Abbott, as the Golden K greeted them and sang the welcome song.
Thought for the day was "Ten Signs You're Doing Well in Life:" You have a roof over your head; You ate today; You have a good heart; You wish good for others; You have clean water; Someone cares for you; You strive to be better; You have clean clothes; You have a dream, and you are breathing. Be thankful for the little things, for they are the most important.
Birthday wishes went out to Bob Bowman and Charlie Yonts. Healing thoughts went out to those Golden K members who were under the weather. The pot of gold winner was Judy Sielaff.
Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar submissions, which included Orice Walters' delight in having spent Thanksgiving with her daughter and family; Sue Proudfit's happiness over the birth of their 12th great-grandchild; Anna Vincent's son Dylan Bolander's upcoming interview this week on Upper Michigan Today; Ben Determan's Thanksgiving travels to Chicago and Madison, accompanied by a grandson and his wife who joined them on Zoom from Tanzania; Kathy Jo Anderson's pleasure having her sister and nephew join the meeting; and Bill Roberts' joy over Michigan's win.
A discussion about the possibility of the Golden Throats return to singing in nursing homes and assisted living ensued. It was clear that there hasn't been enough commitment of singers to successfully restart this program at this time.
Sue Proudfit reminded members of the Golden K Christmas party on Dec. 12 at the Recreation Lanes in Iron Mountain. Cost is $18 per person.
Anderson introduced her nephew, Paul Oliver, and he gave a very emotional presentation on his journey over the past few years. He had been in a freak accident when the horse he was riding fell and his leg was caught underneath the animal. Surgeries, strong antibiotics and more were not enough. After several years of attempts to save the limb, his leg was amputated in 2020.
In 2012, Oliver was in a serious car accident and fought to live because of his children. The reminder that it was his son's birthday that day kept him going, which coincidentally was Friday the 13th.
In 2019, he dealt with several deaths in his family. Within a few months of each other, he lost his father, grandmother and grandfather.
He deals with depression and has started a Facebook page called Upper Michigan Amputee Support Group to help cope.
He advised the Golden K to keep a check on things with themselves and others close to them -- are they losing interest in things they once enjoyed? Be aware of these changes and discuss with others before they escalate. There is always something to be thankful for.
Next week's program will be a history of the Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility by Maryanne Gibler. Golden K meets at 10 a.m. on Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are welcome.