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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MAY 2020 | 9 My wife Ellen and I have been taking advantage of this time to develop a repertoire of songs we can perform for Sun Lakers when we are allowed to resume being together with our friends and neighbors. Encouraged by the response to our first three public performances here at Sun Lakes around the holidays, and with advice from our local musician friends, we've really been having a great time working up songs ranging from classic rock/pop to country and standards. We already have three engagements booked and we hope to get to perform for more social groups and clubs after the lockdown ends. ~ Dix Henneke During this time of COVID-19, we are sorry to hear of all those who are suffering with the disease and those who did not survive. We owe our gratitude and many thanks to the doctors, nurses and all first responders who have given unselfishly during this pandemic. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel because of them. God bless them all. During this "self quarantine" my husband, Gary, and I were able to enjoy being with our Dino. He's a Bichon Frise dog and a very happy little guy. He can entertain us with his toys. Running from the front bedroom window and letting us know who is walking by with their dogs and when the mail lady is delivering. We are so looking forward to begin our activities again. We miss all our friends, and family, too! Especially missing my dancing with Makua Hula and the Jean Svarvar Tappers. We learned to be more patient, especially with one another. Since we're retired it didn't take much to slow us down. A little exercise here and there. Reading a good book. Watching TCM (both of us love the old movies) and/or Hallmark Channel. Of course, Gary kept up with his replaying of old basketball, baseball and football games, too. We are thankful for our great neighbors like Joan Lau, who made masks for us and others in Sun Lakes. She and her husband Roland are a very gracious and giving couple. Continued good health to all here at Sun Lakes. ~ Gary and Olga Marquette My children have been asking me to compile a history of the many family treasures that I have. They want the stories behind them. I have begun to do that. It's kind of fun. ~ Sue Dunn During these stressful times, our grandson shared a letter from his school which broke our hearts. It simply stated, "Dear High School Seniors of 2020: You were born when the world was grieving 9/11. And you are graduating as the world grieves a pandemic. Although your two biggest launches (birth and graduation) have taken place in the midst of tragedy, just know that the world is an amazing, loving, beautiful place and is waiting for you with open arms. We grieve with you that your senior year is ending with this. But we can't wait to see how you overcome and soar. You were made for this. Love, all the senior parents." My grandson Chandler (aka Spanky) an amazing young man, simply said to us, "I love you so much Gram and recently I've seen things in a more positive way." He will miss his senior prom and his 18th birthday on April 11. My daughter reached out to all the family and friends. She is decorating the front yard with signs, and has asked us all to decorate our cars and to drive by on this birthday in a parade of cars, honking to wish him happy 18th birthday, reminding him to stay positive, better days are on the way. To our "Spanky," may you feel pride in all that you are and find joy in all you're yet to become. We are so proud of you and all you will become. Love Grumps and Gram. ~ Steve and Raelene Kretchman When There Is A Storm By Jerry W. Franklin, Sun Lakes resident When there is a storm in your life You must learn to outrun the rain. The thunder calls for your attention While the lightning points out the pain. Faith is the cornerstone to believe Something you cannot see. So don't let a storm in your life Wash away what you want it to be. The wind will push the clouds To reveal a bright and better day. Don't let hope fade and cause despair, You will undoubtedly find a way. Hope holds more than one path As it elicits a threshold for us to cross. Hope accommodates a sturdy bridge That can hold up any loss. As a yawning dawn coaxes a blossom To open after every rain, A smile can reveal there is light That can follow any pain. A physical smile facilitates Preventing a cascade of tears. And this is how we address a storm And compact all our fear. A rainbow in Sun Lakes. Photo by Dick Harwood