We Celebrate Life

Learning from the oldest members of our society is a privilege and a delight. What better way for them to share their wisdom than through storytelling--the traditional means of passing down knowledge since the beginning of time? "We Celebrate Life" is a collection of portraits, in words and photographs, of senior adults who share their experiences in love, marriage, career, mission, war and loss. Lisa Huber and Vicky Hayes Gadd of Pines Village Retirement Communities partnered with Kathleen Mullen, Ph.D., of Valparaiso University, and the students in her fall 2002 Intermediate Composition class to interview some of the fascinating residents of Pines Village Retirement Communities and write the stories. The stories give an intergenerational perspective as told by the senior adults to the younger writers. The exploits of the residents were amazing, but it was the men and women themselves, in the richness of their old age, that made the greatest impression. One student said, "My experience reminded me never to sit on the sidelines. I hope to follow their example and enjoy my life to the fullest." The authors hope their work will help create an enlightened future where senior adults once again enjoy the respect and honor they have earned. The Authors of "We Celebrate Life" won the 2003 Creativity Award given by the Indiana Association of Homes & Services for the Aging.Gadd, Vicky Hayes is the author of 'We Celebrate Life', published 2003 under ISBN 9780972901208 and ISBN 0972901205.