Donald L. Hammen
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Welcome to the start of year three for Stories and Journeys. Welcome to the start of year eight of my retirement journey including Medicare plus supplement. Another reader has told me their take on … more
Dec. 7 has come and gone. Medicare Open Enrollment has ended for 2023. Yet it feels like the engagement with me and Medicare has just begun again. So, if you have read this far you have taken the … more
HERE’S MY MEDICARE STORY. WHAT’S YOURS? This is a time during fall to make changes in one’s Medicare plan. I am making my way through my seventh year of retirement and enrolled … more
It’s August 2023. A theme is emerging out of my life experiences to date. The theme can be captured in two words: self care. My life as it is unfolding in 2023 is revolving around self care. I … more
Dear Reader: This column is about signs of spring showing up in my life experiences and awareness. So, buckle up! If you have read this far you have taken the plunge into the river (flow) of life … more
I am aware that there would be no All Elders United for Justice without the vision, leadership and guidance of Vic Rosenthal. This is my goodbye and thank you to Vic Rosenthal. Sadly, Vic passed away … more
Without awareness, does anything or anyone really exist? I am aware that I enjoy sitting in the front room of my house. In the front room of my house I enjoy sitting in a rocking chair and looking … more
One day as I am writing a draft of this column, I become aware that the U.S. mail has arrived at my house. I bring in the mail. An envelope jumps out at me with the words RETURN TO SENDER. Sad! Those … more
Each day since writing the last Stories and Journeys column, I have been checking the obituries in the newspapers I read. None of them are mine. So, here I go again.Before starting to write this … more
As far as I can tell I haven't died. I am writing this column. The service will take place at Lakewood Cemetery, the site of my internment. Details to follow. The theme of the service will be coming … more
Is it Halloween? Are there ghosts in my house? I can only focus on what is in front of me. What is this me being scared? It’s a mystery. Do you ever get scared? Is it a mystery to you? Tell … more
Today, right now! It's the first day of the first year without my brother. He died! Myself, my sister-in-law, and my nieces – we continue to mourn. Labor Day week-end of 2021 was the last time … more
Today, right now! It's the first day of the first year without my brother. He died! Myself, my sister-in-law, and my nieces – we continue to mourn. Labor Day week-end of 2021 was the last time … more
Gratitude for the life of my brother, Richard A. Hammen, an out-of-town reader of the Messenger. Reader as long as his powers of comprehension were intact. Gratitude for the fact that he was the … more
My brother has cancer! I'm stunned! I'm in shock! What now? My inner and outer worlds are out of sync. I feel scared. I feel so alone. Are you with me, dear reader? If you are, you have taken the … more
Imagine all the people living in peace! Wait! Not just yet! Imagine us walking exploring the yard surrounding my house. It's spring but feels like summer. We see tulips, dandelions, violets … more
Imagine you are with me at my recent visit to the River Lake Eye Clinic. I have been a client there for many years. Even before receiving original Medicare plus supplement. You have now taken the … more
As I make my way down the river of life experience with those of you who have taken the plunge and joined me as readers of Stories and Journeys, I always knew this moment would come. Initiating … more
Imagine for a moment that you are a spiritual guide and poet. You share your Celtic heritage and love for your native landscape of west Ireland. Your name is John O'Donohue. Now back to reality. Into … more
I feel gratitude for everyone who has taken the plunge as we navigate the uncertain waters of life experience through my new column, Stories and Journeys. This column is an article I wrote two years … more
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