NIAGARA, Wis. — Last week I talked about finding happiness in a difficult world and outlined several suggestions that would help us in that quest. It is important to remember that finding happiness is a solitary journey in that no one can make us happy; yet we can find happiness by helping others find theirs. Happiness is also found when we are our authentic selves and when we are in pursuit of a goal. Finally, happiness is more likely to occur when we concentrate on the positive attributes of the various partners we have in life, whether a spouse, a friend, or a work partner. Today, I want to add one more essential characteristic we all need if we are to find happiness in life: hope.

We are all familiar with the old adage that reminds us, “into every life some rain must fall.” No one escapes life without suffering disappointment along the way. It may come early in life as we are trying to figure out who we are; adolescence and the journey through high school is a very common time for disappointment and angst in general. Many of us also find a great deal of disappointment in our “tumultuous twenties” as we search for a job, a partner and stability. We may experience life’s pitfalls as we age, and illness begins to enter our lives or we lose loved ones.

I read a poem recently that was written by Theodore Roethke titled, “In A Dark Time.” The opening line of that poem states, “In a dark time, the eye begins to see.” How can that be true? The poet seems to suggest that we see better in the dark. We know that literal interpretation is most definitely false. But, in a broader sense, a dark time is when we are faced with hardships. Everything else in our life seems to fall away, and we are left with a problem that needs a solution. And it is then that we concentrate all of our attention to fixing whatever it is that needs to be fixed so we can move on to a brighter future. We separate needs from wants. Our priorities come into focus, and we are better able to ignore the distractions in our life and find a way forward through the difficulty.

In working our way through these periods of difficulty, we come to a better understanding of who we are. We learn our weaknesses; they are generally to blame for getting us into the predicament in the first place. We discover our strengths for they lead us to the solution that will correct our present problem. We gain insight into our personalities so we can avoid making the same mistakes in the future. And, we may need to learn self-forgiveness if this is not the first time we have found ourselves in this same difficult place.

Also, we all know that there are times when, through no fault of our own, life just throws us a curve ball. We had a well-researched plan, we executed all of the necessary steps to bring that plan to fruition, and we had every right to expect a successful result. Yet, success eludes us; it just was not meant to be. Then we learn perseverance… and patience. We learn that we go on to fight another day. We learn the meaning of the phrase, “Into every life some rain must fall.” and it was just our turn to get wet. Eventually, the storm stops and the sun returns.

Psychologists and counselors will tell us that it is important that we allow ourselves to wallow around in our disappointment for a while. We need to be able to identify the feelings of anger and inadequacy that follow a failure so we learn how we react when life seems to have taken a nose dive. We need to also accept that these feelings are normal responses to disappointment. We learn the hard way that when we suppress these feelings, they will emerge at an inappropriate time and in response to something that did not cause them. When we allow ourselves to react in the moment, we learn that there is a normal and healthy way to respond to life’s downturns and curve balls. We learn important lessons from dealing with sadness, and we become emotionally stronger as a result. We learn resilience so that the next time life hands us something unexpected, we are better able to deal with it.

Many people have made similar observations regarding life’s disappointments and how to deal with them. I share with you some bits of wisdom from them.

“Don’t be ashamed to weep; ’tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time.” — Brian Jacques, novelist

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” — Vicki Harrison, author

“Sadness is more or less like a head cold – with patience, it passes.” — Barbara Kingsolver, author

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” — Lena Horne, singer and actress

“Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.” — Khalil Gibran, poet

“There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and have recovered hope.” — George Eliot

“There you go… let it all slide out. Unhappiness can’t stick in a person’s soul when it’s slick with tears.” — Shannon Hale, author

“Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” — Denis Waitley, motivational speaker

“The place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.” — Ivy Baker Priest, politician

As we travel through life, we all hit peaks and valleys, bumps and potholes. We all learn, in time, how to avoid them or at the very least, how best to recover from the unexpected pitfall. I will leave you to ponder these beautiful words from Emily Dickinson. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tunes without words — and never stops at all.”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; coffee chatters, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Lucky 7, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; find the right item, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Traveling to Finland, 10 a.m.; finishing up our travel, 2 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color in spring and crossword puzzle, 2 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Hangman, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT luncheon, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; trivia teasers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; romance movie, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with music by Bob and cake, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; spring bingo, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/faces and places, 10 a.m.; parachute, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; balloon ball, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party with Bobbie Jo, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Donut social, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Po-Ke-No, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study,1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.

Monday: “The Price Is Right,” 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino outing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; Uno, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; crossword puzzles, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, at 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Beef barley soup and cheeseburger.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, broccoli salad and fruit.

Thursday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable and slaw.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, baked potato and corn.

Tuesday: Rigatoni with meatballs and green beans.

Wednesday: Cube steak, potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Open face hot beef sandwich, gravy, wedges and peas.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Breaded chicken sandwich, homemade macaroni and cheese.

Tuesday: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Ham and sweet potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, Brussel sprouts and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, broccoli cheddar soup and spinach side salad.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with marinara sauce, peas and carrots and garlic bread.

Thursday: Chef salad, tropical fruit and pudding.

Friday: Egg McMuffin, sausage and applesauce.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and peas.

Tuesday: Ham and Swiss sandwich, chips, beef barley soup, manicotti, mixed vegetables and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Evening meal – meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and winter blend vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, Brussel sprouts and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, broccoli cheddar soup and spinach side salad.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with marinara sauce, peas and carrots and garlic bread.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week –

Monday: Glazed pork chop, mashed potatoes, broccoli Normandy and fruit.

Tuesday: All centers closed for staff training.

Wednesday: Polish sausage with sauerkraut on a bun, parsley potatoes, squash, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, corn, dark green salad with tomato and fruit.

Friday: Breaded fish fillet, German potato salad, baked beans and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Beef tips over noodles, Italian vegetables, three bean salad and scalloped apples.

Tuesday: Polish sausage with sauerkraut, boiled potato, corn and fruit cup.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken over rice, Oriental coleslaw, Oriental vegetable and Mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Beef barley vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich, broccoli/cauliflower salad and tropical fruit.

Friday: Chicken breast with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, wax beans and fresh fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili dogs, baked beans, French fries, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Omelet, hash browns, French toast, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chef salad, boiled egg, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Ravioli, breadstick, Italian blend vegetables, dessert and milk

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Pork cutlet, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots and fruited Jell-O.

Tuesday: Oriental chicken and vegetables, rice, chow mein noodles and dessert.

Wednesday: Brat patty on a bun, cheesy macaroni, baked beans, chips and fruit.

Thursday: Beef and macaroni hot dish, corn, dinner roll and scotcheroos.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week –

Monday: Barbecue chicken, coleslaw and vegetables.

Tuesday: Tuna-noodle casserole and vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes with gravy and vegetables.

Thursday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick and vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberries and dinner roll.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and corn.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, Brussel sprouts and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, broccoli cheddar soup and spinach side salad.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with marinara sauce, peas and carrots and garlic bread.