from the diaries -- joe
So many of you enjoyed meeting Sally Mitchell on the opening night of the Pioneer Network Conference. This 85-year-old enjoyed signing her story for you!
Sally lives in Bristol, Pennsylvania at Silver Lake Center. She was born on July 1, 1921. She's been blessed with a great activity director named Melvin who knew there was more to learn about his good friend, Sally. Melvin began interviewing her using a web-based system called LifeBio every day after lunch. At first, it was difficult for her to remember long ago events, but soon the memories came back to mind and she enjoyed the chance to share them. From just asking an answering questions, LifeBio's system created a 50-page book about Sally! Below are some excerpts from the life of this seamstress, mother, and grandmother.
Oh, and one more thing...it's important to realize that people like Sally have words of wisdom to pass on to us. They give us a gift by sharing--we have to willing to listen though--like Melvin was. EVERYONE has an incredible story to tell. When we know that story, I'm convinced that we will care even more. To truly KNOW them is to love them, right?
Sally Mitchell
Born: July 1, 1921
Birthplace: Germantown, Pennsylvania
Current Residence: Silver Lake Center, Bristol, Pennsylvania
Do you have a motto that you live by?
I believe that you treat others the way you want them to treat you.
What is the greatest invention that has come along in your lifetime so far?
The sewing machine is the greatest invention because I can sew more clothes.
My Childhood Favorites...
Doll or toy: A rag doll made by my mother
Game: Jacks
Sport: Roller skating and bowling
Dessert: Pudding
Clothes: A dress I made with Aunt Sadie
Movie: Gone With The Wind
Radio and TV: Jack Benny, All in the Family, Ed Sullivan
What are your secrets for living the good life?
Be true to yourself and God.
What does it take to succeed in life?
To me, it's success when you wake up every morning.
What did you discover in your 70s?
I discovered that you have to live life for yourself.
What do you think the future will be like? Any predictions?
I think the world is coming to the end because nobody cares about the other person. There's no love in the world of today.
What advice would you give to future generations about love?
To whoever wants to listen to this...love is when you can share the good things and the bad things together. Love is when you don't forget that you have someone else to love. But the most important thing is to trust and communicate with each other about anything. You have to love someone for the right reasons.
