April 3, 2007 in Features

Elder Maze: Light shines on 94-year-old Hazel

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Many of you will remember the childhood horror and the humor of using outhouses on a daily basis. There is an apocryphal story of a son telling his father that he was afraid of going to the outhouse at night. He feared falling down because he couldn’t see well, even with the lantern light.

“All you need to do, son,” the father said, “is to just walk to the edge of the light.”

Today, I introduce a new feature of The Elder Maze. I call it “Lights in the Maze.” Occasionally, I will tell the story of an elder whose life is so uplifting, so inspirational, that he or she is a light in the midst of the darkness that can make the elder maze a frightening place.

Today’s “Light” is Hazel Hall from Sandpoint, who just turned 94 on March 26. Longevity is always something to marvel at, and even celebrate when it is combined with good health.

I’ve known Hazel since we first met almost 19 years ago. I was privileged to be her pastor for seven years. Our continued friendship has been as great a privilege.

Hazel came to Sandpoint 75 years ago as the bride of a young photographer, Ross Hall. His unique work gained him both regional and national fame. Hazel worked alongside Ross. She colorized many of his photos and inspired him even as she inspired our community.

Her enthusiasm for life, passion for the arts and her gentle leadership were instrumental in helping to make Sandpoint the “arts community” that so many people know it to be today.

In the 1980s, Ross Hall developed dementia. So for many years, Hazel was his loving and tenacious caregiver. Since his death in 1990, Hazel has continued to be a gentle force both in the community and within our church family.

I happened to be at the top of the stairs to our sanctuary when Hazel came up those stairs to worship with us on the day before her birthday. There was no hesitancy in her step, no lag in her energy. Hazel walks around town nearly every day. Her family and her many friends are inspired and amazed at her physical energy.

While her hearing is much less than it used to be, she was delighted when we sang “Happy Birthday” to her during our worship time.

After the service, she told me she thought of a joke she could have told; but decided to save it for a time when the sermon was more on the same topic. It will be worth waiting for. Hazel delights in laughing. She easily sees the humor in those parts of life she has no control over.

The other day, she told of a conversation she had with someone who didn’t like a particular thing happening in Sandpoint. Hazel’s response? “Twist a screw in your head, so you can think differently about the things you fuss about.”

The simple mention of Hazel’s name brings a smile to people’s faces. For decades, she has been known as a gentle woman and as a woman who is eager to learn all she can. This reputation only grows as her age increases.

Hazel Hall’s “Light in the Maze” has shone for many years and for many people. I believe it will shine for a long time to come, even after she stops celebrating birthdays.

Please tell me stories of who is a Light in the Maze for you. As I am able, I will share some of those stories so we can all learn from them, so we can each walk to the edge of that light they radiate.

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