Small Wonders Of The Elderly
A young person of only 50 year’s age, today I am compelled not to share a story of the Tennessee Smoky Mountains but a story of one of its residents.
Small wonders of the elderly, how small our world can become when we take the time to share with the elderly surrounding us. A young man of 50, my life has been filled with journeys. The Navy kept true to its word and took me places I never would have traveled and what a blessing.
The other day a friend introduced me to his mother over the phone for business reasons. Soon the conversation switched to more personal travels and life’s experiences. The wonderful woman shared stories of her and her husband’s journeys before his passing. The stories where so interesting, they spelled of struggles from meager beginnings to great successes, the willingness to embrace small things into happy memorable events, and with each word spelled one adventure after the other. The outcome, two people shared love, raised a family, and seemingly made others lives along the way better.
As I listened I also found our lives, though years apart, journeyed the same paths. Not only in struggles and triumphs but actual points on the globe. We had been to Alaska, traveled the Alcan Highway to many of the same towns in Alaska, been to New Orleans and countless other state side and abroad destinations. Most interesting was their having worked a schooner (ship) made at Mystic Seaport, from where I visited only last year.
Mystic Seaport Connecticut is a great seaport town steeped in seamanship, whaling, and naval history. Mystic Seaport is home to the last seaworthy wooden whale ship in the world, the Charles W Morgan! If that were not interesting enough, most people never see one of the most advanced seafaring mission control facilities. This facility, hidden in a blending seaport structure, has played a key role in the discovery and retrieval of historic and treasure laden ships sunk all over the world. Most notably, the discovery, study, and retrieval of artifacts from the Titanic. Pigeon Forge is host to the permanent Titanic Museum, opening April 8th, 2010, housing not only the history of Titanic’s crew and passengers, but actual artifacts from many of the families having sailed aboard her that faithful April 14th, 1912.
It was a shame to have to end the call, but in that short of time I had met a woman who cherished life, love and family. She spoke well of her journeys and those met along the way. She reminded me of how precious are those small wonders of the elderly, how valuable each memory can touch and share in the lives of others not yet met.
Regis Philbin Boards Titanic In Pigeon Forge
Live With Regis & Kelly Fans, get ready to come to Pigeon Forge Tennessee and see Regis Philbin April 8, 2010. Regis Philbin will be master of ceremonies for the opening of the Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Descendants and family members, of the ill fated 1912 Titanic sinking, will be aboard for the christening ceremonies.
The Titanic Museum attraction is a half-scale replica built to honor the passengers and crew of the original Titanic. Seemingly as to have resurfaced once again and put to sea, water splashes across the bow as passengers are handed their boarding passes to bare the names of actual crew and passengers.
Guest are welcome to ascend an exact replica of Titanic’s grand staircase, visit a replica of Isidor and Ida Straus’ First Class Stateroom, owners of Macy’s Department Stores. This stateroom was seen in James Cameron’s movie “Titanic” as the lovely Rose’s suite.
An interactive attraction and self guided tour sure to thrill passengers of all ages. Walk the passageways and read tributes to the many souls lost, see 20 galleries filled with actual Titanic artifacts.
This is a public event and tickets may be purchased at the Titanic Museum web site.
Pigeon Forge Tennessee Area News Updates
Titanic Museum has not yet sailed and already she demands a red light. As politics play out we can be assured the light will be installed soon, so travelers be ware of changing traffic patterns.
It appears Waldens Landing shopping center may get a new theater that would replace the current putt-putt golf course. Will devulge more info as it develops.
Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood Splash Country water park announced the addition of Slick Rock Racer, a multi-lane mat slide available for the 2010 season.
“Me and my brothers and sisters used to play in the creeks around home in the
Smoky Mountains, and more times than not, we`d land on a mossy covered rock that
sent us for a ride like you wouldn`t believe,” Dolly Parton said. “That`s the
same kind of unexpected thrills and adventure that I had in mind when I chose
Slick Rock Racer for families to enjoy together at Dollywood`s Splash Country.”
Slick Rock Racer spans 300 feet and features four water-drenched lanes, each
side by side. Positioned belly down on mats, each rider travels head first on a
channel which includes an initial dip to build speed. Multiple bumps along the
length of the slide allow riders to gain additional momentum which propels them
to the finish. The new attraction can accommodate approximately 600 guests an
hour. Dollywood Splash Country operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
