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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - August 24, 2009)
Tell me, what’s in a name? In my youth it was expected that children should address their friends, family and elders with respect. There was no “Hey You!” to be tolerated. Learn the name, repeat the name, and use the name of the person. Well, my name is Della. If you are angry, call me Della Rae. I know an Ina Ray, but the only Dellas I knew were Della Street and Della Reese. Oh yeah, they used to call me Stella, Stella Dallas ... something or other. Well, you are too young to remember all those people. The point is, everyone likes to be addressed by their real name. Right?
A few weeks ago I was standing in line at Oroville’s Rite Aid Drug Store and my buddy Jimmy walked by and said, “Hi Della!” I know for a fact, that my buddy Jimmy doesn’t have a good memory, so for him, and the rest of the staff at Rite Aid, I wear a ballgame-type cap, labeled with my name, “Della.” The cap is gold and glittery. And I carry a purse with a clock, to be sure folks recognize me.
Often people call me by name, which they recognize on the cap. It clearly says Della. Much like most of us in this world, I responded when my name was called. (I think I was day dreaming at the time.) O.K., I admit, I am not a Smith, Jones, Mary, Jane or Jim. My name is not Sue. My name is Della! And, I have lived numerous years not ever personally knowing another Della. This is my name, and I love it! It is me. Right?
As I responded to Jimmy’s cheerful greeting, the lady in front of me also responded. “Wow! Who are you?” Come to find out, her name is Della too. I think we were equally surprised at one another’s quick response to our name being called out.
After a surprising conversation, we determined we should meet again, and even try to find the other Dellas in town. She had heard of a Della Pearl. I had heard of a Karen who cared for a Della who frequently went to the Eagles Club, in downtown Oroville.
I am not interested in forming a Della’s Club; it’s not my style. But I would like to meet other Dellas to find out if they are as crazy as I? If you know a “Della,” let me know. She, Della B., is a Southern Belle. Me? Where did I get my name? What does it mean? Why haven’t I ever known anyone else with that silly, wonderful, exclusive name?
We shared. We had a fabulous salad lunch at Checker’s today! My friend Della loves this community, as much I ... Wow! There are so many folks: Smiths, Jones, Johns, Jims, Bobs from here, from the Bay Area, from a world away from here. We can call ourselves “Newcomers” and come together in this fantastic community. Do you agree? Life is good. Retirement is Awesome! People are wonderful. Even at my age I can do, see, and respect those who care. My new Della is unique. Della B and I will meet again and do more comparisons of our life.
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You would cry too, if it happened to you. Maybe you wouldn’t. But, as life goes on, we keep experiencing things we never imagined. Thank goodness, there is someone Upstairs, that understands and helps us to want to go further. I heard that exercise and eating fruits and vegetables keep us healthy. Have you heard that, as well? Personally, I believe there are other things we can do, to help keep our minds and bodies healthy.
Socializing is number one on my list. If dancing doesn’t suit you, walk, ride a bicycle, get involved with Seniors, at local museums, a writing group, or a singles club. If you need male companionship, find a group that has males. Senior men and women suffer from the same disease ... “Empty Nest Syndrome.”
Come on, there is more to life than children growing up, getting married, and no longer living in the household. Honestly, I am not a social worker, shrink, or a busy-body, trying to tell you how to live. The good Lord only knows, “Della, this writer, is still learning. Like many before her, if she knew she would live this long, she might have taken better care of herself.” But, it is not too late.
As I continue to meet more people in Oroville, I find them congenial, caring, and interested in reaching out. Some of those people have become my personal mentors and have encouraged me to reach out and continue searching for the positive people who feel their life, their experiences, are worth exploring. They don’t cry about yesteryear, they seem to rejoice in the ability to face tomorrow.
Some of those people were the friends I hadn’t met, but have been an inspiration to me, to continue writing this column. You know who you are …
Hope to see you readers downtown, at one of the local restaurants, or even one of the casinos. When you see me, please stop and chat ... E-Mail me: della@diggernews.com
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