by Linda Heistman
While on a five-day backpacking trip over the summer, I was upset and frustrated that I had packed too much in my pack.
You would think after a couple of backpacking trips I would have figured out that I am not a super hero, and I just can’t carry all that weight for that long of a hiking trip.
Well, in some areas I guess I’m just a slow learner. Humility had a way of cutting me more than the straps of the heavy burden digging into my shoulders.
The art of packing a backpack with lighter materials is a continual learning process, but I had yet to figure it out.
My hiking buddy also had a heavy pack, but at least she had a good excuse as this was her first long-distance hiking trip. We helped each other put on and take off the packs.
When another hiker more experienced with packing a backpack came along and offered me a hand up a steep incline, pride and humility formed a friendship.
“No,” I said, “Just be there in case I fall and end up like an upside down turtle on my backpack shell. At least then, I will have someone to laugh at me, and take pictures to splatter all over Facebook before offering a hand to help me back up.”
As humans, we want to look good at all times. We are afraid to let people know we have packed our bag a little too heavily.
Even the best of us sometimes fall prey to backbiting, jealousy and gossip.
It is very gratifying to live in a town that is also very good about faithfully helping one another with the weight of heavy loads.
The Senior Health, Activity and Recreation Program (SHARP) offers a place where we can relax and have fun.
Each of us can put down whatever burdens we carry during the week and learn from and help each other.
I tend to be high energy and enjoy being on the go. It is hard for someone of my personality type to just sit around a table and have a discussion.
I mean, honestly, I’d much rather carry a heavy pack through the backcountry than to be sitting and talking!
Senior citizens often live alone with little or no contact with other people so they look forward to being around the table and socializing at SHARP.
I am happy the seniors in our program have taught me the fun of this “sport” that I call “table talks.”
I am still in the learning stages, and as I said earlier, I can be a slow learner. But I am enjoying these table talks more and more each time.
Okay, now can we get up and stretch or something?!
SHARP is a free program offered to all independent senior citizens from Woodgate to Raquette Lake.
We meet at Niccolls Memorial Church in Old Forge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday.
Lunch during our regular Wednesday sessions is provided by the Community Health & Wellness Fund (formerly the Town of Webb Health Center Fund.)
For more information, call or text (315) 225-7553, or email activitiescoordinator4seniors@yahoo.com.
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