The Bastrop Advertiser (Bastrop, Tex.), Vol. 139, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 28, 1992 Page: 4 of 26
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Texas Digital Newspaper Program and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Bastrop Public Library.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
J t
Page 4
THE BASTROP ADVERTISER
Thursday, May 28,1992
Issues & Opinions
liM*
Close to Cterqity
% Ttr. W/E. \Buzz" O'Conned
Preparation for death a necessity
IF YgR REALLY serious about
FINPIN' SOLUTIONS, COMEON DOWN
T' TH' LOCAL CAFE WHERE THEY
SOLVE ALL TH' WORLD'S PROBLEMS .
_. EVERY <
fX/HORMlN'/
, The most exciting trip is yet to
come. I hope and pray that we
will all be completely aware of
every happening at the send-off.
The condition for a fine voyage is
to be strengthened and healed
beforehand. The trip does de-
mand a certain discipline in self-
training. What we call human at-
titudes, emotions and feelings are
all simply energy directed toward
goals.
* There are those who say that
the reason for being on the crust
of this poor earth is to discover, in
time and space, the purposes
which assist in forwarding human
evolution. Most of us, without giv-
ing that statement a second
thought, would say it’s nutty.
The specific healthy goals I
have researched and taught are
for the certitudes of unconditional
worth (self-esteem), universal
belonging (social interest) and
playing with creative possibilities
(sense of humor). One needs the
experience and feelings of in-
alienable worth and belonging
and playful perceptions of our
human comedy to make the most
of the Big Trip.
Some of my fellow scientists
are deeply embarrassed (and
personally threatened) by my ad-
vocating the trust in a loving God.
Certainly God cannot be counted,
weighed and measured, but the
good works following such a faith
are undeniable to those with eyes
to see. Self-training in loving and
playing definitely adds to the
world’s physical, psychological,
spiritual, interpersonal and social
health.
Throughout history, people
schooled in the whys and hows of
self-esteem, belonging and
humor have been called in-
dividuated, actualized, divinized,
illuminated, realized, sanctified,
initiated, evolved and just plain
wise. Unfortunately, democracy
and Christianity, being only 200
and 2000 years young, have not
risked offending prevailing power
structures by teaching this
mature, wise and gentle strength
in the schools and churches.
I often look forward to this plea-
sant universal pilgrimage like I
did my first trip to London a
generation ago. As soon as I was
asked to present my research, I
spent about two years studying
the customs, history andways of
traveling and enjoying the
possibilities of that strange and
foreign place. In happy non-
judgmental days, I feel and move
in a similar way about my highly
probable death. All involved ex-
perts on thanatology (the study of
death and dying) I have known
also held this shared secret.
Death may be only a chance of
systems.
Yet it is a sad occasion,
especially for survivors. But for
(he loving believer, death is not a
tragedy leading to interminable
suffering.
You, too, will be making this
terrific trip soon, perhaps even
before I. It is unfortunate for all
of us that we live in a place and
a time where it is, for the first
time ever, impolite to talk about
one’s first and last death and dy-
ipg trip. Talk about a personaliz-
ed death and a personal God, and
they might call in the “mind
police.”
But if it is considered obscene
to talk of these ultimate matters,
how can we make easier the lot of
the dying (who are, of course, still
living)? Hospitals, homes and
schools lack uplifting symbols
and vitalizing rituals for
strengthening ns for the task of
lettinggo (“dropping the body”).
I’ll bet you’ve never heard tell
that one of the most respected
theologians of the last 600 years
swears that the universe becomes
our body when we let go of the
body. That ought to interest the
kids in theology!
The universe is stranger than
we think. Perhaps it is miich
stranger than we can think.
Perhaps it is really fun after all.
Giving up death fears and
resistances doesn’t mean we run
to it, as if death were just another
popular fix for the work of living.
Even dying, we still have the
tasks of esteem, belonging and
creative alternatives to violent
discouragement. Cheap grace, it
seems, cannot pill or pamper us
to paradise....
Following a long American
tradition, I am fiercely
pessimistic about the chances of
institutions changing people for
the better. At the same time, I re-
main passionately optimistic
about people making it with the
help of tough and true love I write
this from a lifetime of work with
discouraging power structures,
even while I guided people toward
their inner strengths. .
And now here is my dreadful
dilemma. People like me are wat-
ching their pennies to buy expen-
sive insurance coverage, so that
we may have the honor of becom-
ing unwanted “things”, totally
dependent upon a setting where
benign neglect may be the best
we can hope for. And if we
discourage ourselves about this
misfortune a dignified death may
, be out of the question.
Any institution in which a huge
imbalance of personal power is
allowed to exist (patients,
children, students with no
positive social influence) is
dangerous to physical,
psychological, social, spiritual
and interpersonal health. Much
more so, if the profit motive is
paramount.
The remedy for such deep
discouragement is constant inser-
vice group training for all on the
principles of democratic,
spiritual cooperation in everyday
life. It is a dirty but necessary
task, looking at the powerful dark
sides of you, me and all those
others.
It’s definitely true. The price of
freedom in eternal vigilance.
Dt O’Connell. 66. of Bastrop is Clinical
Associate Professor of Psychology in
Psychiatry. Baylor College of Medicine. His
current professional Interest is In the inter-
relations of psychological and physical health
for the elderly. Questions about aging and
health can be addressed to him by writing
to 106 Kelley Road. Bastrop, TX 78602.
Jv,
V
SI
m
CITY COUNCIL
May is mental health month
Coach praises team & supporters
Dear Editor:
During this past year, a group
of young people worked as hard
as anyone has worked in an effort
to achieve some very lofty goals.
As with any aspiring young per-
son, their success toward these
goals are not only dependent on
the work they do, but also on the
work that other people close to
them do. This work is shown in
many ways and comes from
parents, friends, teachers, com-
Pastrop JVfrfrertiser
TEXAS’ OLDEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Published 102 tiroes a year (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day),
Saturday and Thursday at The Bastrop Advertiser office, 908 Water Street,
P.O. Box 459, Bastrop, TX 78602. Non-sectarian, non-partisan, devoted to
the welfare of the people of Bastrop County. Subscription rates: $19.50 per
year delivered in county, $21.50 per year delivered out of county, (AU are
payable in advance). Second class postage paid at Bastrop, Texas 78601
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bastrop Advertiser, P.O. Box
459, Bastrop, TX 78602.321-2557 - 321-6444
Dave Smith - Publisher
Davis McAuley - Editor
Eljen Moore • Events / Sports Editor
Reporter Janice Butler
ADVERTISING
Erlene Goertz • Debi Mott
CIRCULATION - Debi Mott - Wesley Norton
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING -
Carolyn Wright
PRODUCTION
Wesley Norton - Max Butler
BASTROP ADVERTISER (USPS045-020)
, - MEMBEJTTEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
W / 1992_,
munity leaders and others in-
terested in their development as
young people.
The Bastrop golf program
received this kind of help and sup-
port throughout the 1991-92 golf
season, and it was a tremendous
help in making our year the tru-
ly outstanding one it was, as both
the boys and girls finished high in
state playoff competition,
culminating with the girls winn-
ing the 4A State Runner-Up
Championship.
It would be impossible for me
to list everyone who contributed
to this success, but this letter is
a sincere attempt , to convey the
message to everyone on how
much these efforts have been ap-
preciated. The interest and
coverage by this newspaper, the
cooperation and patience of both
golf courses, the kind words and
encouragement from local
citizens and teachers, the dedica-
tion and understanding of the
parents-all of this has had a
tremendous impact on the
players and myself.
It was all the more reason why
we wanted to see the name
‘Bastrop’ next to a State Cham-
pionship, and why we feel we have
unfinished business left to ac-
complish. I wish everyone could
hear these kids already talking
about and dedicating themselves
to next year’s goals. It would
make you proud, as you have
made us proud to represent you
while we play. Thanks to all of you
for everything.
Sincerely,
Marcus Evans
BHS Golf Coach
Dear Editor:
May, which is both “Older
Americans Month” and “Mental
Health Month”, is an excellent
time for all of us to learn more
about mental health and aging.
Maintaining good mental health
is an important but often
overlooked concern with respect
to older adults.
Most older Americans adjust to
the various normal life changes
that accompany aging. However,
the loss of a loved one, retirement
or caring for a disabled spouse
may cause stress and anxiety,
Physical changes, medication
and diet may also have a direct
affect on a person’s mental
health.
Although there has been some
improvement in the availability
of mental health services, they
often go unused by those who
could benefit from them--
especially older people.
Unfortunately, mental illness
still carries a stigma in our socie-
ty. When a person is both elderly
and has a mental illness there is
a double stigma-double
jeopardy.
It is vitally important that
health care professionals and
consumers realize that people of
any age who experience isolation
or depression can benefit from
support groups, counseling or
psychotherapy. Research is still
going on and the Andrus Founda-
tion awards grants for this impor-
tant subject.
A person who is»,age 70 has
witnessed more technological
and medical advances in his life
time than at any other period of
history. It is important to every
American and to future genera-
tions that research continues. To
create new jobs, we need new
discoveries, new inventions and
new ways of looking at the world.
Who can say at what point
revelations come? A man falls in
love-or suddenly sees the grow-
Bear band
members give
thanks to all
Dear Editor:
The Bastrop High School Bear
Band members would like to ex-
press their sincere appreciation
for the support of the following:
Dr. Paul Fleming, Superintend
dent, Mr. Ronald Landrum,
Associate Superintendent, BISD
Central Administration, Mr.
James Richardson, BHS Prin-
cipal, Mrs. Cathy Felder and Mr.
Charles Elliott, BHS Assistant
Principals, Bastrop Bear Band
Boosters, Bastrop Harmony Club,
and all band parents and friends
who put in so much work and sup-
port of our students.
We had a great year and could
not have done it without the help
and support each and every one
of you gave us I
Thank you
Bastrop Bear Band
ing character of his son--or knows
the quick pride of being needed,
although no longer young. Each
has his discoveries-a series,
making up the sharp core of life,
from birth and being, through
youth, maturity and lengthening
years-each follows his own way
and hopes to find it good and this
is as it should be.
For the individual whose mind
is open to new ideas, new forms
and respects the best of thinking
and art which has endured over
the years; feels there is much,
much more to life than merely
making a living.
The warm desires, the long ex-
pectations of youth, are founded
in the ignorance of themselves
and the world; they are gradual-
ly dampened by time and ex-
perience by disappointment and
possession; and after the middle
season the crowd must be content
to remain at the foot of the moun-
tain; while the few who have
climbed the summit aspire to
descend or expect to fall. In old
age, the consolation of hope is
reserved for the Uenderness of
ones grandchildren who start a
new life with faith and en-
thusiasm. Each of these children
will learn about identity from the
hands that shape them.
In the elderly, are bad feelings
somehow useful? If they are, is
blocking them wise? Consider
pain and anxiety. Much as people
want to avoid these feelings, each
is essential in a dangerous situa-
tion. Pain motivates people to
avoid actions that might cause in-
jury or death. Anxiety induces
changes that make it easier to
protect oneself from physical or
social threat. It is also believed 7
that feelings such as jealousy and*** 4)
sadness serve worthwhile,
possibly, crucial purposes.
Emotional feelings can be just
as useful as physical discomfort.
Emotions adjust a person’s
response to the task at hand. All
emotions can help in certain
situations but hinder in others.
People in nursing homes may ex-
perience anxiety and depression
because they cannot escape such
a living arrangement. Making
changes in a long time life style
.is not easy and is risky business
and causes uncertainty. The rose
tint fades and people become har-
shly critical about the future and
friends, abilities and problems.
When things are bad enough long
enough illusions must be aban-
doned to make major changes
possible. Have nursing homes ad-
vanced our family structure and
a persons normal way of living?
Life is living one day after
another and I have stacked them
up for 83 years andmy husband
Vernon for 86 years.
Love is the nicest emotion of all.
Older couples are lucky who can
still walk hand in hand through
their days with love remembered
and love renewed.
\bure for Texas
Martha E. Frampton
Rosanky
Teacher thanks students
;
t
Dear Editor:
To the Seniors 1992-
My Dearest Children,
As the time draws near for you
to leave behind 12 years of educa-
tion and to move on to the next
step of life, let me express my love
and gratitude for all you have
meant to me as you flowed in and
out of my life.
You were so innocent, loving
and filled with questions and pro-
blems that seemed to be
unanswerable When we met, you
stole my heart. You were very
special-each and every one of
you. I would have never survived
that year without you.
What a wonderful surprise you
were when I moved to the high
school and found that you had ac-
tually grown and matured into
young ladies and gentlemen over
the years. Many left us by mov-
ing, quitting and/or drugs, and we
shall always miss them.
The greatest moment for me
will be to see you cross the stage
to receive your diploma. I always
knew that you could do it even
though others told you that you
would not or could not make it to
the end.
Do you remember the kid who
did not know how to capitalize
and punctuate a sentence that is
now a writer, or the young lady
that everyone made fun of that is
now a beautiful, intelligent lady;
or the chocolate pizza or the in-
sect collection that would not die
or the flower collection trips or
the suicide thoughts because of
pressure.
And there was so much more.
Thanks for the memories and the
fun.
Thank you for letting me be ‘
part of your life and enriching
mine so very much. May God
watch over you and keep you from
all harm. You deserve the best
and accept nothing more.
Ms. Lynn Johnson
or your second Mom
Auction and bbq successful
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Bastrop Coun-
ty Mental Retardation Associa-
tion, a big thank yoodo all of you
who supported our barbeque and
auction. A special thank you to
those donating auction items and
to auctioneer Doug Schnavtz.
The auction brought in more
than $2,600. The delicious meal,
thanks to A1 and Laveme Till and
Leon and Betty Prasek, was serv-
ed to over 400 people
The community support for our
association and its work, is so
greatly appreciated.
Jean Kirkpatrick
. • Smithville
■
V
\
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View seven places within this issue that match your search.Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
McAuley, Davis. The Bastrop Advertiser (Bastrop, Tex.), Vol. 139, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 28, 1992, newspaper, May 28, 1992; Bastrop, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth756158/m1/4/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 20, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Bastrop Public Library.