An insightful statement from a celebrity in the autumn years of his life went like this: “I want to live every day of the rest of my life.” Living involves doing, don’t you think?

Can you believe 2008 is half over with lots of doing going on in Denton? May seemed to be the busiest month so far. Hearts for Homes held their first benefit dinner on May 4, and I was invited to be their guest at their lovely event. If you are not familiar with the organization, visit  www.heartsforhomes.org to learn about them. By making repairs on older people’s homes, Hearts for Homes allows seniors to stay in their houses. All work is done by volunteers.

At the dinner, a recipient of the program, a grateful woman, seated me. Before Hearts for Homes donated its time and materials to repair her home, she was destined to live in her car. Her story was tear-gathering.

In her own inspiring way, Dr. Bettye Myers gave a moving presentation about why she is involved with the organization. Our community can look into helping Hearts for Homes as board of directors Susan Frank, Nancy Franke, Carolyn Ganzer, Eddie LaFuente, Wade Moran, Martin Noto and Don Pooley have. You can reach Hearts for Homes by phone or fax at 940-380-0563. Their executive director and founder is Susan Frank.

On May 7, I attended another heart-warming event: Denton school district’s Adopt a School Luncheon. There I learned that many local businesses have continued to support our schools through mentoring, tutoring, providing food and support to faculty and students. Sharon Cox, school district spokeswoman, announced that several local churches have become adopters this past year. They are Village Church, Highland Baptist Church, and Singing Oaks Church of Christ. These churches have mentored and tutored children and provided snacks to after school programs. Bravo to the faith organizations and to all who support our school children.

Long, long ago Pat Colonna and I became friends. We both worked in the administrative building of the University of North Texas. Pat worked for the  North Texas Daily, and I worked in the development office. Years later, after Pat served in the Peace Corps in Mongolia, we renewed our friendship when we both worked at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

Pat graciously edited my  Denton Record Chronicle column and helped me improve my writing skills. I often told Pat that her help with my writing reminded me of the story of the young woman who sat next to the girl in the choir who sang off key. Pat Colona was singing on key, and with out asking for credit she made my writing look better. What a friend!

I had not seen Pat in several years but had kept up with her through birthday cards and e-mails until I recently received a brightly colored letter adorned with her return address. I tore into her letter, as her correspondence is always comical. She is a gifted writer and has a humorous way of expressing her thoughts on paper.

Pat, a long time yoga teacher, has closed Yoga Denton and is moving from her home of 37 years near Calhoun Middle School to a local retirement home.

The last line of her clever letter read: “I hope to attend to our friendship and enjoy my declining years — free of worry about house repairs, yard, upkeep, trash bins trundles, utility bills, house taxes insurance, etc. etc, and best of all my apartment will be cleaned every two weeks. And for the first time in almost 40 years, I expect to get a good night’s sleep … peace and quiet.”

Congratulations, Pat, on your retirement and move. Pat plans to enjoy bridge, trips and teaching private yoga lessons. I’m quite sure Pat will live every day of the rest of her life doing important things, like making new friends while nurturing friendships she gathered during her lifetime.