NIAGARA, Wis. — The journey to self-discovery — and further, to self-acceptance and appreciation — takes a lifetime. We begin this journey before we even realize it and, certainly, before we appreciate how important a journey it is. It can prove to be a rocky trip for many, and sadly still many more do not have a satisfactory destination. If we are lucky, we encounter helpers along the way at just the right times — supportive people who serve as guideposts, maybe even rescuers. As challenging as this journey can be at times, I can think of no other trip that is more important.

Self-discovery begins when we are very young. We learn in grade school what works best when we try to make friends. Social skills come first, as they are a means to survival on the playground. Back then, for most of us, fitting in was paramount, so the last thing anyone wanted to be was different.

Given this propensity to “fit in so we will be liked,” it becomes very important to help children understand the importance of tolerance and acceptance. We need to instill in them the actual benefit of differences. It is not only OK to be different, it is helpful to our world. If we were all alike, there would be some things that would simply never get done because no one would have learned how to do them. The sooner children are helped to appreciate the beauty of a patchwork quilt — where all the squares are different, yet the whole is a work of art — the better.

Children need to appreciate that their differences contribute to the richness of our world. Each has a special gift to offer and they need our help and encouragement to find and develop it. We do this by allowing them to pursue a variety of interests, encouraging them to try new things, and helping them overcome their fears. By doing this, they will learn to better understand and love themselves.

As our sons were growing up, they were definitely very different boys. Our oldest son simply had a hard time understanding that everyone in his class was not going to agree with him so he tried all the harder to convince them that he was right. At the age of 17, we allowed him to go with a buddy to Milwaukee to attend the Young Democrats of Wisconsin Convention. While there, he gave a speech, and one of his ideas was adopted as a plank in their political platform. He came home with an entirely different opinion of himself and his beliefs, saying, “I guess it really isn’t important if no one on prom committee likes any of my ideas.” He had learned in one short weekend that he had worth and ideas of value when shared with young people of similar interests.

Our youngest son was forever testing boundaries, and getting into trouble because of questionable choices. He had a need to learn by making his own mistakes, and we had to stand back and let him fall down from time to time. It was hard for all of us. When he was in college, he had to call home and tell us that he was dangerously close to flunking out; he would be meeting with a dean the following day to plead his case. We did not get angry. We told him that we were confident he would do well in the meeting and offered our help if he needed it. Then I heard him say what was in his heart, “I know that I am a disappointment to you because I keep making mistakes, and you and dad never made mistakes.” Oh, my goodness, my heart just sank when I realized the depth of his despair. In a rare stroke of “mom genius,” I shared with him some of the many mistakes and misjudgments we had made and reminded him that, “You are young. Now is the time to make your mistakes — when you can learn from them and have plenty of time to fix them.” He told me years later that it was just what he needed to hear. He did graduate … but it took him awhile.

Something my husband and I both learned late was to explore different career paths when young. As young adults, most of us do not know ourselves well enough yet to really decide what we want and what career path will be the best fit. We each made up our minds too soon and followed Plan A in our 20s, only to realize that we were on the wrong path. Lacking a Plan B, we really had a struggle finding our way to meaningful careers. Of course, it did not help that the job market was flooded with members of the Baby Boom generation so competition was fierce.

Eventually, we do find our niche. We find a career in which we can succeed. We have the right skills, we enjoy what we do, and we feel we are making a difference. Of course, finding a field of work is one thing, but finding an employer that is a good fit is quite another. We all know what it feels like when we have the skills to do the job, but there is something getting in the way within the culture of the workplace that is preventing us from being completely satisfied and fulfilled.

In these instances, the decision is rarely easy. We have to ask ourselves some really tough questions. Is our health — physical, mental and emotional — in jeopardy because of our working conditions? Can we identify what needs to change in order for us to stay in our job? If so, can we create the change that needs to be made? Are there other employers in the area where we could find a similar opportunity? The answers to these questions are never easy, but they are extremely important to discover for we cannot allow a job to make us feel less than we know we are. We must be true to ourselves and create the change that has to be made for us to regain our health and happiness and to continue to grow as individuals.

It is also important to choose a partner who is willing to stick with you through tough times and to appreciate you for who you are — not for the person into which they can change you. My husband and I were fortunate to find each other at the age of 19 and marry a year later. Despite our young age and inexperience, we soldiered through life together learning to accept our differences and appreciate how we complemented each other. The right person can help you find fulfillment in life no matter how many difficulties appear, and help you to find and to understand not only who you are but who you can become.

Finally, it is important as we age to allow ourselves to continue to grow. Aging is a process, and in so many ways can be an exhilarating journey. We have more freedom now that we are retired. Our families have grown up and are doing just fine so we are not needed in the same way as we once were. Consequently, we have more time to pursue interests. As we explore, we redefine ourselves and continue learning.

While I was working in public relations at our local hospital, I had the opportunity to interview many different physicians. Consequently, I gained a lot of different insights into and perspectives on life. To this day, I remember a conversation I had with our radiation oncologist. Originally from Alabama, he had traveled the world. And in the course of his career, had practiced in several states in our country, in Canada and had even lived and worked in Africa. I asked him if there was a particular place, or experience, he had liked best. His answer defined him as he said, “I learned how to bloom wherever I was planted.”

And isn’t that just what life is? Every experience, every hardship, every lesson learned helps us each to bloom into the person we eventually become.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; crafts,10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; Pine Mountain school kids, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie time, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Hair love, 10 a.m.; music on You Tube, 11:45 a.m.; whack-a-Lisa, 2 p.m.

Friday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; mystery ride/name that word, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 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 with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/Wii fun, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; hangman, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; March fun facts, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movies and snacks, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; string n’ bling, 1 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 chit-chat, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, noon; tattoos and wine, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; shopping at Wal-Mart, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon cinema and popcorn, “Titanic,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Hedbanz game, 10 a.m.; “Deal or No Deal,” 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; chocolate bananas, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; evening prayers, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; silly crafters, spring fling craft, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: You be the judge, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; spring crossword challenge, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Social/hot chocolate, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Magazine scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise, beach ball toss, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; seed planting, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 9:30 a.m.; Pastor Cathy, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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 and coffee, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; shopping outing, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts while wetting your whistle, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman and refreshments, 11 a.m.; hallway bingo, 2 p.m.; happy — grumpy balloon toss, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 11 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; cards, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sensory, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; who, what, where, 11 a.m.; baseball, 2 p.m.; cranium crunch, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; balloon toss, 10:15 a.m.; drinks and baseball trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

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. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Chili dog, baked fries, macaroni and cheese.

Thursday: Scrambled egg muffins, fresh banana, yogurt cup, sack lunch.

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: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, peas.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Thursday: Beef cube steak, mashed potatoes, green beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalski and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is now 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots.

Wednesday: Beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus.

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: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots.

Wednesday: Beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus.

Friday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

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 is:

Monday: 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.; 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.

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: Liver and onions/short ribs, roasted garlic potatoes, Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese wrap, side salad, yogurt, string cheese, sack lunch.

Wednesday: Evening meal — meat loaf, mashed potatoes, peas, dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots.

Wednesday: Beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Amish breakfast bake, blueberry muffin, fruit salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit, Kit Kat bars.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, oven roasted potatoes, coleslaw, fruit.

Friday: Tater tot casserole, cornbread, 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

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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, 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 for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, vegetable, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken cacciatore over egg noodles, Italian vegetable blend, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Boneless pork chop, au gratin potatoes, peas and onions, pineapple, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup, meat spread on a leaf of lettuce, sandwich bread, cucumber salad, mixed fruit.

Friday: Beef pasty, rutabagas, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chili dog, baked fries, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread.

Thursday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

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

Tuesday: Swiss steak, winter squash, corn, wheat bread, cherry cobbler.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, fettuccine, broccoli, whole wheat dinner roll, fresh banana.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich on whole wheat, baked beans, Brussel sprouts, pears.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli, garlic bread, vegetable.

Tuesday: Chef salad with meat, vegetables and egg, breadstick.

Wednesday: Two meal day: 11 a.m., sloppy Joes, tater barrels, vegetable and 4 p.m., Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Breakfast bake with sausage and hash browns.

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

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Italian beef sandwich, coleslaw, baked potato chips, sack lunch.

Thursday: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, fortune cookie.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter and steamed carrots.

Wednesday: Beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.