On my last day as a Childlren’s Ministry Pastor, a 3rd grader prayed, “please help Pastor Roselyn have fun with the grandpas and grandmas.” This prayer launched my transition into Senior Adult Ministry and now, twelve years later, I want to confirm that this prayer was answered in the context of learning rich lessons from those whose faith has walked its talk.
Silverstrands is a collection of faith stories as seen through aging eyes, as well as my personal thoughts and experiences caring for and working with seniors.
What a blessing to be a senior and to walk with seniors as we leave footprints in the sand of disciples of Christ living on this earth for a hundred years, more or less!!!
Roselyn Staples
Silverstrands 
I have been homesick lately in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and this morning I watched Stuart’s sermon from Dec 30, 2012 – this lead me to your blog. I’m encouraged to read this and to think of you. May God richly bless you in the new year. – Jenny Kardatzke Rasmussen
Hi Roselyn! Every now and then I stumble onto your blog and it’s like visiting a beautiful garden with lots of places to stop and think about God and people and interesting ideas along the path! You are a great thinker and writer and I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts with people like me who are “reading over your shoulder as you write!” I think of you and the rest of the staff at Elmbrook often and pray. God continually brings to mind things I learned there to help me today. The way you loved and cared for people, especially those with mental illness always impressed me – I was watching. Today I’m on the pastoral staff at Cole Community in Boise Idaho and meet regularly with a woman who likes to refer to me as her “big sister” because we both grew up in West Allis and went to Elmbrook. I never knew her then, although I remember her mom. For the last three years she has been in a deep medication-resistant depression. It seems no one is able to help her. But I remember your commitment to Jean, and with much prayer and occasional input from a therapist friend, I continue to meet with her and do what I can. I found a card for her today with a teacup, cookies and the back-view of two mice, one with an arm around the other. It says this: “I would like to volunteer to hug you until it feels better. This may take a while. I’ll bring snacks.” I hope it isn’t flippant of her pain. The truth is so often we just sit, drink tea and share a piece of banana bread while she talks. I also wanted to say I’m sorry for the loss of your aunt today, and your connection to your Norwegian roots. I’ve never had lutefisk, but I know it’s a well-loved tradition for many. Hearing you mention it made me homesick for Wisconsin; nobody out here even knows about lutefisk, fish boils or fish fries, among other things! But they’re still good people. 🙂 God bless you, Roselyn! Laura (Hintz) Botimer
Laura, I finally learned how to reply to you. It is so good to hear from you. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am excited to know where God is leading you and how you are living out that which He is teaching you. Hope to hear more from you. Gratefully, Roselyn
Dear Roselyn, I read the blog you read to me yesterday when we met…I could almost hear your comforting voice as I read. So many of the wise nuggets you shared with me yesterday have been filling my thoughts today. Thank you for taking the time to mentor me, for your authenticity and transparency, for being an example of a heart completely surrendered to Christ. Thanks for being you and for caring about me. Definitely a hug from God! Angela