Sharing the widom of the gift of age"

"Changes has always been difficult for me. Times like when I moved to Rochester, being in a strange place and not knowing anybody. the Serenity prayer has been my daily strength. Accepting som eof thses changes helps me be close to the Lord every day." Josie B. -Charism Dec 2008, Vol. 2, Issue 4"

"Wisdom of the Drums"

Changes in our lives told in the Wisdom of the Drums

"There have been a lot of changes in my life but God has been good to me. I'm slowing down taking longer to do tasks. But this is rewarding, too. I am looking at my family more closely by slowing down and really appreciating what's around me. It's giving me more time to read and pray. I work at letting go, not taking life so seriously, enjoying life and being more encouraging to my family." (Meyers M. A -Charism, Dec 2009, Vol. 7, Issue 4)

My Bridge to heaven

My Bridge to Heaven

Wonderful education from my parents made me of who am I now
Marriage blessed me with children
The transitions and changes in the Church affected my life
Changes are difficult to handle
Being a widow is not that easy
Need a companion but I do not it
Depend on my Father the Lord to guide me
Holy Spirit comes to me

Written by : Virginia (one of my research informants)

Life is Romantic

Life is a romantic

Thought life is romantic
It takes me to a different path
Dissapoitment and sadness
Later depreseion
River become a river of tear
Faith help me through
Hope to set me through the journey
Redicovery my faith
The water refreshing again
Hopeful stage of my life
I see it as a peaceful and claim river again

Lee, 2007 (Poem written by one of my research informants.

...need help...sos

I am still looking for a publisher to assist me with the publication of my book.

Anybody can be a help to me. Thank you very much, Peter.

A snapshot of me!

Reverend Peter Abas, (L.S.L. (Liturgy), M.A. (Pastoral Counseling & Spiritual Direction), A. P. D. (Counseling & Personal Services), Ed. D. (Counseling)

Peter has counseled individuals, couples and families for over 20 years as an ordained Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah –Borneo- Malaysia.

Besides being a spiritual director at PCFT, Peter specializes in gerontological caregiving, dealing with issues related to aging and mental health. He also provides individual, group, and couples consultation. He is also interested in issues related to international college students, academic challenges, depression and anxiety.

Peter is a professional member of the ACA (American Counseling Association), AADA (Association of Adult Development and Aging), ASGW (Association for Specialist in Group Work), ACC (Association in Creativity in Counseling) and ASA (American Society of Aging).

Addition special services provided by Peter include: Self-Care Practices of Caregivers, Peaceful Rhythmic Hand Drumming, and Sacred Stories and Healing Journeys.

Proposed Borneo Aging Gracefully Center

Rev. Dr. Peter Abas praying in the Chapel of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha at Fonda, New York for the success of this project- Borneo Aging Gracefully Center.
Those of you who might read this about this proposed prject and would like to contribute your time, talents and treasures do not hesistate to contact me.



Peace and Hope,
Rev. Dr. Peter Abas

PROPOSED BORNEO AGING GRACEFULLY CENTER
About BORNEO Aging Gracefully Center
Aging Gracefully Center (AGC) is committed to providing information, guidance and services that help older adults take on both the challenges and opportunities of their well-being. We provide community and professional education. We also continue to do research on the issue of aging.
It also has an adult day care center, located within the vicinity. Adult day care can render caregivers respite by providing a center where elderly parents can be taken for a couple of hours or the entire day and picked back up later. The day programs include social activities, meals and general elderly supervision.

PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Professional Education
General Aspects
• Spirituality and Aging
• Aging and Sexuality
• Women & Men and Aging
• Nutrition and Aging
• Medications and Older Adults
• Economic Aspects of Aging
• Ethics and End of Life Decisions

Emotional, Physiological and Legal Aspects
• Emotional impact of caregiving
• Physiological aspects of Aging
• Legal aspects of Aging
• Aging and sexuality

Assessment
• Functional Assessment
• Mental Health Assessment

Intervention
• Alternative therapies
• Coping with grief and loss
• Counseling Older Persons and families
• Communication skills
• Stress & Burnout
• Loss, Separation & Grief