Tag Archives: Age

I’m Glad I’m Still Alive

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She’s ninety-two years old and in long term care after a fall left her with a broken hip. My visit with her on Tuesday was a delight, as she reminisced about various people in her life (many times over). Dementia is often a side effect of longevity, and repetition of conversation is one of the tell-tale signs of this disease.

My friend misses her euchre games with her old friends, misses her Sundays at church, misses her home which she is sure she will return to when her hip heals.

Nevertheless, this dear lady loves her life and told me, “I know my children appreciate me and I love that.”

When it was time for me to leave, she took my hand and smiled, “You know, Pat, I’m glad I’m still alive,” she said.

How happy I was to hear those words. I look forward to my next visit with this plucky ninety-two year old.

 

 

 

Celebrating Life

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On Saturday I attended two different life celebrations. One was a memorial for a dear friend’s husband, and the other was an 80th birthday party for a dear friend. Both events celebrated a continuation of  life; one here, and one in the hereafter. One celebration was as moving as the other, and I would not have missed either for anything.

Sunday’s events, besides the church service, were a committal and a concert. Once again different celebrations in different ways. The committal saw another member of our congregation on his way to continuing life, and the concert celebrated life’s commitment to music and song with a neighbouring church. The hymns we sang were chosen in memory of loved ones of that church’s congregation who also had transitioned.

It was a wonderful weekend of song and celebration, honouring the lives of those with us and those who haved passed on; a weekend of celebrating life.

Life in the Fast Lane

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What does it mean to live life in the fast lane?

To me it means coming through the birth canal and onto the highway of life: learning to walk and talk, living through childhood, teens, marriage, motherhood, entrepreneurship, mid-life, retirement…and suddenly…without warning…seventy-eight years have gone by and the big 80 is staring me in the face two years down the road!

That, my friends, is life in the fast lane!

The Eye of the Beholder

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When my eldest daughter was six years old she told me, “You’re pretty, Mommy.”

When her youngest daughter was two years old she told me, “You pwetty, Nana.”

And now they are both pretty women.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I see beauty all around me; not only in the young but in the elderly as well. And when I see it, I say it.

My daughter and granddaughter taught me that many years ago.

A teenager once reprimanded me for calling her cute. “Babies and old people are cute.” she said.

Another daughter and granddaughter now tell me I’m cute…hmmmm.

We never know when someone needs to hear that they look good, or some other uplifting words of truth.

Behold the beauty of someone today and let them know they are.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ninety-Nine and Counting

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On Sunday I had the privelege of being a part our congregation’s congratulations to one of our members on his ninety-ninth birthday.

He sits tall in his second row pew every Sunday morning, and two weeks ago helped one of his daughters celebrate her seventienth birthday.

Does it get much better than that?

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he who will sustain you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV