The only one

Published 12:00 am Friday, August 23, 2002

I’m the only New Englander (That’s in the north, you know). I’m the only Catholic – correct that – we got another a week ago – so now we are two. I’m the only one brave enough to do the activities when the director of activities is on vacation or occupied with admitting a new resident – this means money so there has to be an activity substitute. Enter me!

To continue with the &uot;only&uot; recital – I’m the only one who writes a weekly column for our daily paper.

Now, I guess that’s enough &uot;only&uot; stuff. You get the general idea, don’t you?

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How about my feelings on being an &uot;only&uot;? I don’t mind as long as the reaction is an honest one. Don’t ever put anyone down because of their origin or religion. That takes two of the onlys into consideration. I’m proud of being from New England – born there, went to school and college there. Taught there before I met my dream man and got married. I’ve lived in Virginia before – in fact in Suffolk. During the war (the big one) my husband (newly acquired) was stationed at Camp Peary. How Suffolk can you get?

Most of the above mentions where I came from. Next in line I listed being a Catholic – a rare bird in this residence. Now I honestly declare no one has ever made me feel uncomfortable because I wasn’t a Methodist or Baptist or any other form of Protestantism.

As a pinch hitter for director of activities I’ve covered Bible Study activity and received praise for it. So religion presents no problem. I respect theirs, they respect mine.

As the only one to do activities when Becki isn’t here – no big deal – no one else will do it. Having taught for 27 years – taking over comes naturally. Being Irish is a big plus, too. We Irish always think we know and can do everything. Anyone open for a debate on this? We do that well, too. Debating, I mean. Non-Irish call it arguing. Would I be guilty of that? Never!

Florence Arena is a resident of Hillcrest Retirement Center and a regular columnist for the Suffolk News-Herald.