Brian's Blog - From the CEO

Today in the United States is Flag Day – a day honoring the national flag, observed annually on June 14. Flag Day is a nationwide observance, but Pennsylvania is the only state that recognizes it as a legal holiday. The day commemorates the date of 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag and the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Now there are 50 stars representing the 50 states and there are 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies. The US flag should never touch anything beneath it or be carried flat or horizontally. It should always be aloft and free. And, the flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. Flying the American flag in the bed of a pickup truck isn’t a traffic violation, but it could be a patriotic issue if left unchecked. The U.S. Defense Department says the flag should only be flown upside down “to convey a sign of distress or great danger.” (Online sources).

Thankfully, I’ve not felt distressed or been in danger enough to fly our beautiful national flag upside down during this past year!

A war flag, also known as a military flag, battle flag, or standard, is a variant of a national flag for use by a country’s military forces when on land. The nautical equivalent is a navel ensign. (Wikipedia) Standards have been used throughout history in many countries. A standard can also be used symbolically.

Reverend Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the clergy “…occupying the watchtowers of the world, should uplift the standard of Truth. They should so raise their hearers spiritually, that their listeners will love to grapple with a new, right idea and broaden their concepts…Truth should emanate from the pulpit, but never be strangled there…A special privilege is vested in the ministry. How shall it be used? Sacredly, in the interests of humanity, not of sect” (pgs. 235-236). The Pastor Emeritus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, also wrote, “Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and cries: ‘Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sickness, sin, and death!’ Jesus marked out the way. Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!” (p. 227)

Wide Horizon (aka your regional Christian Science nursing care organization) has proudly hosted and flown the flags of the US and Colorado high on a centrally located flagpole, lit from below, for years. In fact, we generally replace each flag every year, as the continual sun and wind cause them to fade and tatter. These two remarkable flags fly beautifully together in the breezes and winds of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

The Colorado flag is one of my favorite flags, for I love its color, symbolism and simplicity of design. The red C stands for Colorado, a Spanish word, meaning red, as well as for centennial, as Colorado was admitted to the Union in the year 1876 – the 100^th anniversary of American independence. Also, the C stands for columbine, the state flower of Colorado. The gold center symbolizes the glorious all-the-year-round sunshine throughout Colorado. And, the aureate center also represents the most precious of metals – gold – in the production of which Colorado excels all other states. The Yale (my son was accepted at Yale University but went westward) blue stripes stand for the ever-smiling skies of the Rocky Mountain region. The white stripe both typifies the white metal, silver in whose production Colorado also leads the entire galaxy of states and the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Also, the blue and white stripes together combine to give two of the delicate colors of the exquisite State flower, the columbine. Finally, the interlaced gold and silver cords symbolize the union and harmony of the sterling people of the Centennial state. (history.denverlibrary.org)

I’ve always loved sterling people and flags – growing up in several countries (Germany, Japan, USA) and states (Maine, Virginia, California). I love the wonderful colors and designs of many flags (and sterling people). Another favorite flag is the Olympic flag, with its white background and interlaced rings of blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The six colors are those that appeared on all national flags of the world at the time the symbol was created in 1915. The colors of the rings originally symbolized one of the five continents competing at the Olympics – Africa (yellow), the Americas (red), Asia (green), Europe (black), and Oceania (blue). I especially enjoy the opening of the Olympic games and the “Parade of Flags” closing ceremony at the Olympics. What a wonderful display of hues, youth, athleticism, peace, unity, joy and so much more!

A popular sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory” had 10 “Fun with Flags” episodes as a YouTube/podcast that characters Sheldon and Amy made to teach vexillology (from the Latin vexillum, meaning banner), the study of flags. (My beloved bride humorously calls the characters “the funny people” because they help me laugh after a long day of work. I enjoyed many of these humorous episodes this past year.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of fun with flags!

D. Brian Boettiger

Plans for building a Christian Science sanatorium in the Denver area began in 1946 with a small group of Christian Science nurses and practitioners. This group started its planning with prayer.  Gradually a concept emerged and a way opened for the purchase of property at 8900 West 38th Avenue. Even though some of the group wished to begin operations as soon as possible, it was decided to pay off the property debt first. The $22,000 debt was retired and remodeling of an existing farmhouse on the property began. Thus, an old farmhouse was transformed into a nursing facility with accommodations for five Christian Scientists. 

While the group waited for their funds to grow through additional contributions, they learned that a large bequest had been left to Mountain States Home, (incorporated in August 1946 and the original name of Wide Horizon, Inc.), which would enable them to build a new building with 30 rooms. More patience and prayer opened the way to buy additional land immediately to the west of the original property for $17,000. The building committee then decided to locate the new Christian Science nursing facility on the hill and centered on 23 rolling, partly wooded acres. They knew the city would grow, and they wanted to make sure that roads and traffic noise were kept at a distance. This location also insured that nothing would ever obstruct the magnificent mountain views.

In the Christian Science Hymnal, hymn 218 tells of “The wide horizon’s grander view….” The facility came to be named “Wide Horizon” in reference both to the spectacular vista views it offers of foothills and mountains and to the vision of Life it was intended to foster.

The original building was completed in 1950 and the first patients accepted in January 1951. Over the years, improvements were made to meet changing needs. A small “Nurses’ Cottage” was built to the north of the main building in 1954 to provide housing for Christian Science nurses. A large living room with floor-to-ceiling windows was added on the west side of the original building in 1965, which presented an even wider horizon to guests.

In 1972, a major construction program resulted in the addition of several new features: a more gracious main entrance; a larger dining room with moveable partitions; a modern kitchen with new equipment; a centralized Christian Science nurses’ station, and additional guest rooms which brought the total number of rooms to 30.

Over time, fewer Christian Science nurses used the Nurses’ Cottage.  In 1987 it was remodeled into three independent-living units and renamed “Horizon House.” Each of the three 2-room suites shared a common kitchen and living-dining room.  This arrangement never resulted in full occupancy, although Horizon House was continually occupied over the years by one or two guests.

As Wide Horizon and the community around it grew, there arose a need to care for more Christian Scientists who required only a small amount of help each day. It was decided to build a new building for patients requiring skilled Christian Science nursing and to retain the original building for the more independent guests. The new building, known then as “Wide Horizon North,” was completed in February 1990.  It had 20 rooms for patients. The rooms were more spacious and had wider doorways than the original building, making it easier for patients and staff to move around.  Like the original building, referred to as “Wide Horizon South,” it had its own living room and dining room.

Wide Horizon operated the North and South buildings at close to capacity for a number of years. During the latter 1990’s fewer Christian Scientists sought the services of Wide Horizon and fewer Christian Science nurses were available to serve. In November 2000, it became possible to consolidate all guests into the more modern North Building. It was modified to accommodate 24 people. The South Building continued to house temporary Christian Science nursing staff and the Christian Science nurses training facilities as well as a full-service commercial kitchen and the administrative offices.

In 1993, WH Foundation was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado to establish, manage and oversee endowment funds for the benefit of Wide Horizon. Gifts could thereafter be given either directly to Wide Horizon itself or to WH Foundation. In 2004, the WH Foundation was dissolved due to Wide Horizon being in a precarious financial situation (as a number of other sister organizations) and very close to closing.

During 1999-2000, Horizon House underwent another remodeling. It reopened in August 2000 with five cozy studio apartments.  Guests and residents in Horizon House receive general supervision from the Christian Science nursing staff, meals, housekeeping and laundry service.  In 2007, Horizon House was beautifully redecorated by a local Christian Scientist who was a professional interior decorator. Horizon House currently provides services for Rest and Study for Spiritual Renewal guests and Supervised Residential Living, as well as staff housing occasionally.

In 2011-2012, the “North Building” (now known as the Main Building) was extensively remodeled and expanded to accommodate several functions, including new commercial and auxiliary kitchens, a beauty salon, an activity room, a large dining room, a modern living room, new tub room, a reception area, and administrative offices.

Then in 2015-2016, Wide Horizon added three new “cottages” with six efficiency apartments for temporary housing of Christian Science nurses and a large maintenance building, before razing the original “South Building” on the hill. This continued unfoldment of progress was yet another sign of divine Love’s provision.

In 2017-2018, all the buildings on campus had new asphalt shingle roofs and rain gutters installed due to a catastrophic hailstorm on May 8, 2017. The main building and Horizon House also had new skylights installed and were newly painted. In addition, new concrete and a pergola were installed on the south patio of the main building.

Then in June 2018, after many years of prayer and related discussion about Wide Horizon’s status as a federally certified Medicare provider since 1974, and recognized as a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution since 1997, Wide Horizon took the spiritually progressive steps of “voluntary withdrawal” from the Medicare program. This significant decision occurred once alternative funding for Christian Science nursing services was established via the National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (https://nfcsn.org/).

In 2018-2019, through a very generous grant from a foundation, a new gazebo at inspiration point was added in addition to a new asphalt driveway and walking path. Other upgrades included: solar light poles, LED lighting throughout the campus, room sound speakers, audio system, and new mechanical nursing beds.

As you can see, Wide Horizon has demonstrated a grander view as a collective demonstration of Christian Scientists in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Throughout its long history, Wide Horizon has responded, and continues to respond, to the needs of Christian Scientists in this large area of western states. Progressive changes have occurred as the needs of the community have changed, yet Wide Horizon’s core objective is to facilitate the Church Manual-based activity of the Christian Science Nurse and to maintain the high standard of Christian Science nursing for those we selflessly serve. This objective is ultimately for all mankind and will never change as long as Wide Horizon provides its services to the community!

D. Brian Boettiger

Memorial Day (as on both Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day) is one that I think about and am grateful for my dad, who served our beloved country more than 30 years – first in the National Guard and then in the US Army Air Defense. This period included military service in WWII, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. Although he’s been gone for years, thankfully he survived them all.

As you know, today (May 31) is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday in May. The day commemorates and honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Poppies are the red flowers symbolically worn on Memorial Day to commemorate the sacrifice so many men and women have given in service to their country. https://www.history.com

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of the American Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers. In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, the “birthplace” of Memorial Day because a ceremony on May 5, 1866, occurred to honor local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. https://www.pbs.org

Here are some Memorial Day quotes by presidents of the United States:

Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th president – “You, who made good your valor and patriotism the statesmanship of Lincoln and the soldiership of Grant, have set as the standards for our efforts in the future both the way you did your work in war and the way in which, when the war was over, you turned again to the work of peace. In war and peace alike, your example will stand as the wisest of lessons to us and our children and our children’s children.” (1902, Roosevelt was also addressing aged soldiers who had fought in the Civil War)

Herbert Hoover, 31^st – “It was the transcendent fortitude and steadfastness of these men who in adversity and in suffering through the darkest hour of our history held faithful to an ideal. Here men endured that a nation might live.” (1931)

Richard M. Nixon, 37^th – “This Memorial Day should remind us of the greatness that past generations of Americans achieved from Valley Forge to Vietnam, and it should inspire us with the determination to keep America great and free by keeping America safe and strong in our own time, a time of unique destiny and opportunity for our Nation. Peace is the real and right memorial for those who have died in war.” (1974)

Ronald Reagan, 40^th – “Today, the United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace—a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation.” (1981) “The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we—in a less final, less heroic way—be willing to give of ourselves. …Our goal is peace. We can gain that peace by strengthening our alliances, by speaking candidly about the dangers before us, by assuring potential adversaries of our seriousness, by actively pursuing every chance of honest and fruitful negotiation.” (1982) “We owe this freedom of choice and action to those men and women in uniform who have served this nation and its interests in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.” (1983)

George H.W. Bush, 41^st – “Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.” (1992)

George W. Bush, 43^rd – “Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain. All Americans and every free nation on earth can trace their liberty to the white markers of places like Arlington National Cemetery. And may God keep us ever grateful.” (2003)

Barack Obama, 44^th – “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay. They, and we, are the legacies of an unbroken chain of proud men and women who served their country with honor, who waged war so that we might know peace, who braved hardship so that we might know opportunity, who paid the ultimate price so that we might know freedom.” (2009)

I believe it’s important to honor all individuals who have served with distinction or who have sacrificed his or her life for another’s. Such honoring is certainly genuine appreciation and love. And, we can be grateful to God that such individuals were willing to serve and sacrifice.

I also believe life is eternal, as demonstrated and taught by Christ Jesus, who showed us what true sacrifice and love is. Thus, these lives, though often gone from human sight too soon, are embraced by our heavenly Father-Mother God, Love. So, whether it’s someone who gave his or her life in service, or a friend, colleague or someone we love who has passed, we can honor their lives by holding in our hearts all the fine qualities we hold dear about them. This is loving them, even when we cannot hold them or talk to them. To selflessly love in this way is perhaps the highest memorial we can give unto them.

Remember, Christ Jesus remarked, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)

D. Brian Boettiger

Well, 27 weeks of blogging and counting! Some friends even placed odds that these blogs wouldn’t last beyond a few weeks (basically the first turn on a track); I would not have bet against them (if I were a betting man). Yet, this week I asked myself, thinking of my college days long ago in the storied realm of Shakespeare, “to blog or not to blog?” Well, unlike Hamlet, who considered his mortality in his line of questioning, I answered, “Hey, why not!”

Therefore, although most of what I’ve written during these weeks focuses on topics meaningful to me (some due to the times), and usually including aspects of Christian Science nursing and working life at Wide Horizon, this one is about blogging.

There are hundreds of millions of blogs on the internet. (Apologies for adding to this incredible number.) The history of blogging dates back to 1994, which predates social media by a few years. The term “weblog” was coined by Jorn Barger in 1997. “Open Diary” blogging was launched in 1998. And “weblog” was shortened to “blog” (not to be confused with “bog”) by Peter Morholz in 1999. Ten years later in 2009 the White House debuted its blog. This came after both YouTube launched and the Huffington Post was founded in 2005. Of course, AdSense by Google, WordPress, TypePad, Twitter, Tumblr and others all jumped on the blogging bandwagon in the “aughts” or “double ohs.”

https://online.ndm.edu/news/communication/history-of-blogging/

Definitions from Oxford Languages of “blog” (bläg) are:

noun

1. a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

verb

1. add new material to or regularly update a blog. (It’s about a week since I last blogged.)

… and from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blog

noun

1 computers: a website that contains online personal reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks, videos, and photographs provided by the writer; also: the contents of such a site

2 a regular feature appearing as part of an online publication that typically relates to a particular topic and consists of articles and personal commentary by one or more authors

verb blogged; blogging

1 intransitive : to write or have a blog

2 transitive : to write or write about (something) on a blog

Merriam-Webster evidently has become “America’s most-trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation.” Hey, Merriam said so!

Its long track-record dates back to 1828 when Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” first benefited mankind. So, although you won’t find “blog” in that original, I’d say this dictionary is a long-running winner!

And if you’re looking for a business twist: The purpose of a blog is to aid marketing to a point where the content you deliver is targeted specifically to the wants and needs of your audience. Provide answers to their most commonly asked questions or provide advice to areas within your niche that your business is an expert on. www.business2community.com

Although I may or may not be an expert, I appreciate a business twist, and many other types of twists now and then (Nutella or chocolate puff pastry twists, cinnamon twists, “The Twist,” hair twists, film twists, and most of all twisting in golf). Yet, you may ask with a twist, “Why did you decide to start a blog?” Well, the answer may be, “Norm begged me to begin a blog,” or maybe a voice behind me said, “Brian, better to blog.”

Regardless, my sincere thanks to all of you who read these blogs, which supports me blogging on to the next turn on the track!

D. Brian Boettiger

Even after the many months of this pandemic, Wide Horizon is still in good financial shape, with much thanks to our generous donors and a significant generous bequest from the estate of a longtime friend and supporter of Wide Horizon. Although there have been long periods when Wide was closed to visitors, new patients, and new residents, we have been able to allow very select admissions under strict protocols and have limited visitations.  Visitors must still wear facemasks and be scanned upon arrival. And, Wide Horizon’s staff members also must still wear facemasks, be scanned daily, and have to do COVID testing twice a week. Nevertheless, given Wide’s status as a state-licensed nursing care facility, restrictions, though not gone yet, have loosened, such as residents selectively and spatially being able to dine once a day in our spacious dining room. We’re grateful.

I attribute our current status to a spirit of giving while still receiving, to an outpouring of love rather than a sense of need. We have sustained our outreach to the community through personal letters and phone calls as well as informational and inspirational talks over Zoom. We continue to appreciate the wonderful attendance of both our online annual meeting in October 2020 and workshop in February 2021. (We plan to hold more virtual events in 2021.) We strive to reverse the thought of being a non-profit organization that greatly needs financial support to survive, to one of an inspired idea called Wide Horizon that exists to bless the world. We are grateful.

We’ve experienced and witnessed many signs of God’s protective presence and power during these past months in particular. Individually and collectively all of the staff at Wide Horizon rose to the needs, banding together in one accord to protect our guests and residents as well as one another. We witnessed healings of quick reversal of symptoms or complete protection from symptoms of COVID-19. There were continual adjustments made harmoniously and uniformly in regard to all the changing requirements Wide Horizon, staff and residents had to do. Our individual and collective prayer, the practice of Christian Science, and Almighty God notably has protected us all. We are truly grateful.

Personally, there have been numerous times when I have felt professionally drained, physically challenged, or mentally spent. Each of these challenges was met – often reaching out to divine Love, Spirit, for strength, health, and energy, as well as guidance, spiritual discernment, and Mind’s ever-present angel messages. The campus atmosphere and setting are always beautifully peaceful (with the exception of the drumming beaks of flickers or woodpeckers on the buildings and rain gutters). The working environment consistently tends to be conducive to healing, for I have often felt better when driving up the main driveway early in the mornings. When I arrive in my office, I am reminded of God’s Word and the many examples of Love’s presence and power in my life (and in the lives of those who serve and are cared for at Wide).

On my computer desk is a deck of cards – Keep Calm & Trust God – which have many inspirational and scriptural quotes. On one wall I’ve posted biblical verses such as: “Fear thou not: for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God”; “…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I”; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”; “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God”; “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”; “Feed my sheep”; “He [divine Love] restores my soul”; “With God all things are possible”; “Let us exalt His name together.” These help to feed and restore my soul. So, I, with numerous very fine individuals of wonderful diversity, continue to work, watch and prayerfully support Christian Science nursing at Wide Horizon, while serving Spirit, God to the best of my God-given talents. I’m grateful.

“That’s all folks!”

D. Brian Boettiger