95 Years of Life Lessons
Living Fully Every Day
My 95 years young friend, Carol, was in the hospital. Her face lit up when I walked in. It was a joy to see her. We chatted about her recent birthday, the family who came from far and near to celebrate with her, and about my trip this year to visit our daughter and grandkids in Switzerland. I shared that one of my grandsons may come to live with us for a time – and how Bob & I look forward to sharing life with him for awhile.
I told Carol, “With eight decades of living under our belts, we find joy in sharing some of the pearls of wit and wisdom we’ve picked up along the path.”
I asked Carol if she would share some of her life lessons with me. I don’t think I was prepared for the depth of her sharing. But, as soon as she began, I knew I was in for a treat. I grabbed a paper and pen and asked her if she would mind if I took notes. Carol used to be a writer, too … but she finds it hard to set pen to paper these days. So, knowing I love to write, she grinned widely, and nodded.
“Here are some things I have learned as I’ve grown older:
- Life softens.
- Things aren’t so urgent.
- I can fall in love at all ages.
- Life constantly changes – be open!
- It takes judgement to realize the possibilities life holds.
- We’re happier if we count our blessings.
- Our lives become more dimensional with years.
- Love is huge!
- We all must take responsibility for ourselves and our actions.
- . Life comes together in a natural and beautiful way.”
I read her list of life lessons back to her – choking up more than once in the process of doing so. Such wisdom! Such articulation!
“I want to be you when I grow up,” I told her. “I hope I can learn and internalize those lessons as beautifully as you have done.”
Carol and I hugged – and as I left her, she called after me, “It all comes down to living fully every day.”
May you, my dear blogging friends, live fully every day, too. Reach out to a loved one and ask, “What have you learned as you’ve grown older?” Their answers may surprise you.
Share one of your life lessons with me today.
Written
on May 8, 2012