NIAGARA, Wis. — I am sure that anyone reading this column today has seen their share of hard times and has been around for long enough to realize that no one gets through this life without them. And we have also discovered that there is no such location as Easy Street. Now, there may be one named “Easier Street,” but that location is only found after many side trips down other routes that would give us the experience we needed to live there.

When my husband and I married at the ages of 21 and 20, we believed that we had our life’s plan all figured out. And we made a plan that would have us living on Easy Street in five years — by 1976. Step one of that plan was that we both would finish our college degrees. The Vietnam War was still raging and the draft still active along with the 2S deferment for college students. My husband’s draft number was 19, so we knew that the minute he left college he would be on his way to southeast Asia to join the fight. He was enrolled at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at the time so we settled in Neenah, Wis., to be near his family, and he commuted to Green Bay daily until he graduated. His high school graduation year had been the last year 2S deferments had been granted, and by the time he graduated from college, the draft had been discontinued. So, he squeaked through by the skin of his teeth — thanks to having had to repeat kindergarten when his family moved from Freeport, Ill., to Menasha, Wis. The rules governing a child’s age for starting school differed between these two states, and my husband had an October birthday. Who knew that many years later the repetition of kindergarten would have a potentially life-saving impact on his life?

Now, it was my turn to get my degree. We moved to Ripon, Wis., so I could finish at Ripon College and be near my family. My 77-year-old grandmother took care of our toddler while I went to class, and I graduated in 1975 instead of 1973.

With degrees in hand, the final step was meaningful employment, and we had one year to do it. We’d had our fill of flipping pizzas, waitressing, packing frozen dinner rolls, assembling control panels for washing machines, guiding empty tin cans — that would eventually contain Green Giant vegetables — onto pallets, and performing quality control on pallets of green beans. We were thankful for our “survival jobs” but were more than ready for step two of our life’s plan — career jobs.

My husband taught English to junior high and high school students for a few years in two different school districts, and I stayed home to have our second child. I worked part-time in Kingsford’s ShopKo shoe department to supplement our income. We were living in a little house in the woods in Pembine, Wis. It was time to sign a lease for a second year, but we decided to buy our home in Niagara — which was actually the next step in our plan. We moved into our house on Prospect Street in 1978 — three years after I had finished my degree. So far, things were moving along nicely – taking a little longer, but not bad.

The final step before our Easy Street destination would be reached turned out to be the most difficult — finding meaningful employment that would make us both happy and provide enough income to live there. Well, as I am sure you have guessed by now, we looked a long time before we realized there is no such street. But, in our quest to find it, we found others: Happy Street, Challenging Street, Worthwhile Street, and Content Street to name a few.

As I was preparing to write this column today, I came across these words from Charles Dickens, “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” He wrote them in1864 as part of his final novel, “Our Mutual Friend.” These words encourage us to remain compassionate and patient no matter our difficulties. It’s a reminder that while it may be easier to harden our hearts when life feels overwhelming, choosing softness is its own kind of power. After all, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness that ultimately shape who we become — and the legacy we leave behind.

When we find ourselves in the middle of all the challenges that present themselves as we are trying to build a life, it is easy to forget that we are certainly not the only ones who have experienced hardship and uncertainty as we struggle to fulfill our dreams. And the choices and decisions we have made along the way were all ours. No one told us what to do. If those decisions do not lead to success, we only have ourselves to blame. In those frustrating moments, we must assess and make a decision to chart a new path — one that may lead to success now that we have learned from our first mistakes.

Life is simply difficult sometimes. It is no one’s fault. Crap happens! The key is to accept those times for what they are — accept them as life lessons, and move on without blame. Learn the lesson so you can prevent the same thing from happening in the future. Also, remember that two heads are better than one, so do not be too proud to accept help.

Over the years filled with job searches, unexpected surprises, raising children and unplanned wrenches in the works, my husband and I adopted a motto of sorts. We encouraged each other to simply “keep on keepin’ on.” And we developed a very good sense of humor, along with the ability to laugh at ourselves. Granted, in the moment it was sometimes easier to lose my temper and throw that potato at him … but it didn’t really solve anything.

Just remember to always keep trying and to keep pulling in the same direction. When a challenge is faced together, the win is that much sweeter.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Work on weekend packets; Sunday football.

Monday: Nails/room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; start to finish, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Yarn club, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Blueberry pancakes for all, 8 a.m.; Lego day with Mindy’s home kids, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; residents’ birthday party, 2 p.m.

Friday: Let’s visit, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Weekend packet, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; penny ante, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; DT luncheon, 12:30 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; trivia teasers, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Travel Club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with live music and cake, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game pack/fill in the blank, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Chocolate Cake Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; painting club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversation, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Corn Chip Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Croissant Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; Baptist church family sing along, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Hot cocoa bar, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Penny ante, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; read a book

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

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.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You Be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 2 p.m.; bologna, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; polar bear plunge, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; Thursday night football, 7 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; happy hour with Vicki and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Friday night movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kick ball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, vegetable, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: French toast, sausage, hash browns, muffins.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burritos, Spanish rice, refried beans.

Tuesday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

Wednesday: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich, peaches.

Thursday: Apple pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Crystal Falls Center

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Monday) and Jean Dickersen (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)

906-875-6709

The center serves 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, oven-brown potatoes.

Tuesday: Pork chop suey.

Wednesday: Pasty — orders need to be called in for this meal.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

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

Monday: Chicken bacon ranch, parslied noodles, peas, biscuit.

Tuesday: Thin crust pizza, green beans, pineapple.

Wednesday: Tuna casserole, beets, dinner roll.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread, Jell-O.

Friday: Brats, macaroni and cheese, corn.

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

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Monday: Chicken and broccoli stir fry, rice.

Tuesday: Taco bar with all the fixin’s.

Wednesday: Cheesy cod, baked potato.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken patty, romaine lettuce, tomato, onion, whole wheat bun, baked beans, oven fries, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice — entree, vegetables, fruit.

Wednesday: Pasties, coleslaw, fruit pie.

Thursday: Swiss steak, au gratin potatoes, candied carrots, fruit, pudding.

Friday: Beef stew with potatoes, carrots and onions, biscuits, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Pizza pasta casserole, Brussel sprouts, five-way mixed vegetables fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Sweet and tangy chicken, brown rice, broccoli, Capri vegetables, pineapple-orange mix.

Wednesday: French onion pork chop, mashed potatoes with gravy, diced carrots, apple slices, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, chef’s choice vegetable, green beans, fruit cocktail, whole wheat dinner roll.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout. Menu for the week –

Monday: Grilled ham and cheese, mater soup.

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday.

Wednesday: Chicken parm sandwich.

Thursday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Golden K meets at 8 a.m. Wednesdays. Smear at 6 p.m. Thursdays. Cribbage on second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Scalloped potato and ham casserole, peas and carrots, warm spiced pears, wheat roll.

Wednesday: Manhattan meatballs, mashed potatoes, succotash, apple crisp.

Thursday: Lasagna, mixed vegetables, spinach salad with tomatoes, garlic bread.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, pudding.

Tuesday: French dip sandwich with au jus, fries, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Wet burrito, refried beans, Spanish rice.

Thursday: Lasagna, garlic bread, wax beans, apricots.

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

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pizza buffet.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans.

Thursday: Open face roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy.