Dorothy Hill Baroch © February 2024

“I am reduced,” he said, “but I will not take it.”

Joseph and I sat on the lone picnic bench under the pine trees near his residence and discussed his life as an elderly priest. Our companions were two very active squirrels who were as insistent upon joining us as is old age.

My friend is 92-years-old and swims daily. Although he became partially blind a few years ago, and is losing his hearing, he refuses to permit depression and loneliness to gain the upper hand. He places himself in the middle of the university campus so he can chat with the students and campus visitors. He sits on a chair under the trees or at the picnic bench and feeds the squirrels. When Joseph is not meditating or napping, he visits with those who stop by. They share their activities and are often invited to join him for lunch or dinner.

In addition to concelebrating Mass with his brother priests, he attends Eucharist with the students when it is held in the Chapel.

His white-tipped cane permits him to move about the campus with surprising ease, albeit more slowly that the students. His electronic watch assists him to arrive on time for his appointments and for the French classes he teaches.

Joseph may be “reduced” physically, but he refuses to allow any of those hindrances to interfere with his life.

Well done, Joseph! You are an example of how to live life to the fullest, no matter what age!