My First Love

[In answer to Ariele Huff’s request for “First Love” stories, Don Sivertsen produced this piece and brought it to the Thursday Writing & Publishing Group at Greenwood Senior Center in Seattle. If you have a first love story to share, please send it to ariele@comcast.net.]

My First Love

My first love was potato chips and then ice cream. It started when I was four years old. I lived above Peterson’s Grocery Store with my sister Lorraine and my parents. We all knew Mr. Peterson. One day, the potato chip delivery man caught me eating potato chips in the grocery aisle. So, you see potato chips were my first love. The ice cream came later in my lust for goodies. Even today, at 90 years of age, I know my first loves were potato chips and ice cream.

Girls, I became aware of when I attended grade school. A girl gave me a valentine on Valentine’s Day. We all exchanged Valentine cards. I can’t remember the girl’s name now.

But I do remember potato chips!

Don Sivertsen’s new book Don’s Heart: Medical Marvels Happen at All Ages addresses how many people lose hope about recovering from illnesses or injuries in their elder years. Don kept a journal of his feelings at 90 about discovering a heart problem, waiting for the procedure, having it, and the amazingly positive outcome for him. He has written this book to chronicle his experience in hopes that others will feel encouraged—recognize that even older bodies can heal. The book also includes more of his life-affirming experiences and philosophy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076ZR66RG. His first book, Laughs, Luck, & Life is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IFN4DD8. Miraculously regaining his ability to speak, think, and write after a debilitating stroke, the author presents a uniquely life-affirming series of funny sometimes poignant anecdotes characterized by their humble yet self-confident messages. His words—gained by accessing the “spare, unused brain cells” that weren’t damaged—are a bright ray of hope served up as warmhearted humor and sprinkled with some modestly offered advice.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

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