Success Stories

Rocking the Seniors

One Elder, George, had what looked to be an airplane’s fuel tank on his property and he was using it for storage.

Delivering meals in the Tshchizhi Chapter of the Navajo Reservation took a couple of hours. Navigation within the community meant a bumpy ride along dirt roads, which snaked between Hogans, homes, and sheep corrals. We certainly came across some amazing scenery and images.

One Elder, George, had what looked to be an airplane’s fuel tank on his property and he was using it for storage. This definitely wasn’t something often seen, but resourceful is a word that is frequently used in tribal communities lacking certain amenities.

Another Elder, Helen, had a nice-sized lot nestled into a rural neighborhood, with her Hogan and corral. After being greeted by curious sheep and many dogs, we accepted Helen’s invitation into her tidy Hogan.

After being greeted by curious sheep and many dogs, we accepted Helen’s invitation into her tidy Hogan.

The home was built by her brother, who lived next door. The arrangement of her home makes “living simply” a good argument for anyone wanting to enrich their lives through downsizing and de-cluttering.

Everything had a place and nothing was out of place. The bed was placed next to the kitchen and the wood stove had the honorary placement in the middle of the room. Family photos and a framed image of “The Last Supper” shared a corner with an iconic poster titled “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” which exhibited James Dean, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Humphrey Bogart.

After all the deliveries in the Rough Rock community, we looked forward to visiting with a few of these Elders again at a special dinner the Senior Center co-hosted with the Southwest Reservation Aid (SWRA) program.

It was very apparent to any visitor that this center rocked!

Pauline, the center’s supervisor, who had been kind enough to take us along earlier for the distribution of food to homebound Elders, had a special evening planned. We knew the festivities would be lively.

Seeing all the seniors who attended the special event, which included a meal, recognitions, songs, and dance, there was no need to ask how Pauline or her staff at the center accomplished receiving the highest number of services in their agency. It was very apparent to any visitor that this center rocked!