Celebrations & People

2022 is in the rear-view mirror, and we are well into 2023. February is the shortest month of the year and for those of us in New England, we know that Spring is just around the corner. To date we have not seen much snow, but fear not, I am sure that Ole’ Man Winter has a bit more of the white fluffy stuff in store for us. (I got a new winter jacket and boots for Christmas but have not been able to get much use out of them!)

The 15-day celebration of the Lunar New Year started on January 22, 2023. This is the Year of the Rabbit which represents hope. The date is determined by the cycles of the moon and the sun. Just like Westerner’s celebrate the New Year on January 1st, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with parties, lights and traditional red lights that are believed to bring luck and prosperity into the New Year. These celebrations date back thousands of years. As the legend goes, a monster would attack the villagers. The bright lights and noise were used to scare the monster away. (Monsters must be like porcupines; eek stay away!)

For the past 53 years the United States has celebrated Black History in February. In 1976 the celebration was expanded from a week to a month by President Gerald R. Ford. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the toooften neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of those who had an impact on growth and change; to celebrate the accomplishments of people like Onesimus, an enslaved African who was living in Boston shared an innovative way to combat smallpox, thus saving generations. Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to be elected to the U.S. Senate representing Mississippi from 1870-1871. Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made African American millionaire from Louisiana who developed a line of hair care products. Rosa Parks, “the first lady of civil rights,” was a prominent figure in the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956).

Just as Black History Month started out as a day, so did Women’s History Month. On a single day in 1908 in New York City, thousands of women joined forces to push for better labor laws, conditions and the right to vote. In 1987, the recognition went from a day to the month of March to remind us and to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout the years from culture to society, from science to politics. Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States, was known for being outspoken and an influence regarding women’s issues. Madeleine Albright, a daughter of Czech refugees, was the first Secretary of State in the United States. Maya Angelou was famous for her writing and public speeches that inspired people to overcome gender and race discrimination.

On March 20th we will celebrate the first day of spring. The time that our forests come alive with the sound of birds, flowers begin to push their heads out of the soil, the grass gets green and the leaves start to pop. ( And I get to roll around on my back like a fool! )

Let’s take time to find the joy in life. To experience events that will shape our lives. Keep your head up. Don’t just look at what is in front of you, but what is above you and beyond. Reach for the stars! Celebrate life!

Come join me on life’s adventures!

See you in April… Walter Eugene

Making a Difference...

At Senior Helpers we are blessed to make a difference in the lives of our clients, their families, and our team every day. We lead with our hearts helping those in need. Extending our capable hands to lighten the load. Whether it be a medication reminder, preparing a meal, an escort to a doctor’s appointment or a good game of Rummy, the Senior Helpers Team changes lives one client at a time.

Fondly…Dwight & Gayle Davis, our special team & Walter too!

Senior Helpers provides in-home, non-medical care offering tailored services ranging from companion care for those who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, and other chronic diseases. We have worked with clients ranging in age from 25 -104. Senior Helpers has received many accolades since opening its doors in 2014: Best of the Seacoast for Home Health Care, Provider Circle of Excellence, National Employer of Choice, Business Excellence Award for Healthcare, and top 200 Influential Business Leaders in N.H.

Stratham, NH – (603) 583-4580 www.seniorhelpers.com/nh/se-new-hampshire