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Volunteer has can-do attitude

 
Published March 25, 1997|Updated Oct. 1, 2005

(ran TP edition)

Recently I received this letter from volunteer Robert Bockenek. He has been with us, placed with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, for about a year now and has made a great impression on both their office and ours. He has a lot to say to us all, both young and old.

The good life!

Our golden years should be glory years _ enjoy! I am a step from 90; I live the good life with all its amenities, nothing omitted. I believe in smart exercise, smart diet, smart living and prayers in the old-fashioned way ... no drugs, no pills.

Medical science _ technology and wonder drugs and pills _ indeed make life longer, but look at the cost. Visit any hospital, geriatric ward or nursing home and see and hear the shocking reality _ even the angels weep.

God helps those who help themselves; ask and it shall be given. Many have asked and been given. I have asked and been given _ now I am a volunteer, and my mission is to help those in need.

Think positive, think happiness and smile and the whole world smiles with you; cry and you wet on your own parade. You are the captain of your ship. Command only smart thinking, and optimism enters your mind with health, happiness and contentment.

Father Time, with his flowing white robe and flowing white beard, carrying his scythe, is not the kindly old man entering the New Year. He is the scourge and nemesis of mankind. He is coming to "getchya" _ but worry not. You can make him wait.

I have not yet met him because on my calendar, I am only 45, due to smart exercise, smart diet, smart living. Any questions? Just ask.

To volunteer

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: 272-5031

Volunteer Center of Hillsborough: 274-0909

Citizen Volunteer Services: 272-7232

HRS Volunteer Services: 871-7097

_ Larry Johnson is director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Hillsborough County. You can write him c/o Seniority, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.