today i had the privilege of spending a few hours with a young 92-year-old woman living independently in her own home. i was sent to her to offer service, compassion, and resource. instead, she gave me an experience that i will always treasure. i love spending time with those who have lived fully and positively -- sharing laughter and hard times, with tears to shed. she told me about her marriage of 74 years. some years were good and some not-so-good. he worked hard to support his family and she worked hard to support him. she would row her little boat on the columbia - "it builds strong arms, you know?" she buried two of her six children, but speaks of them like they are still here today. during our visit, the outside temperature was around 25 degrees. she explained that the cold helps her remember bundling her children up for bed...sleeping all in one bed together. "it's about the memories, you know?" as we spoke in her family room, the sun began to set and she spoke of the many fine sunsets outside this same window. memories of sharing those moments with her husband (who passed away a short time ago). she enjoys the quiet moments that seem lost somehow. i ask what she does with her days and evenings. she tells me that time does not have to be filled with tasks, instead it should be felt and enjoyed. she giggled and said that she watches the birds out her window. she watches her dog chase the birds out her window. and then she fills up the bird feeders so she can keep watching the birds out her window. taking short walks outside is a joy. her children call often and visit when they can. she tells of a sweet gift that her son recently sent her -- so excited to share with me, she points to the fridge. it is a magnet with her name on it. she calls it a treasure. "why?" i ask. "because he was thinking of me."
everyone around me has something to teach me. sometimes i am amazed at how much everyone knows! i love to learn from those of ALL ages. my daughters teach me more lessons in a day than i could ever begin to teach them. my husband teaches me by example, imparticularly patience, happiness, and love. my parents teach me the principal of hard work and importance of family time/play time! my grandma teaches me to love unconditionally and focus on the strengths we possess. my in-laws teach me about nature's beauty and the importance of knowledge. my extended family demonstrates strength and the power of forgiveness. my friends teach me to be a better friend and share who i am with them. my work challenges me to serve others and share real emotion in difficult situations. my faith gives me purpose -- my mission statement in life -- knowledge that my Heavenly Father and my Savior love me for who i am. i just had to share this.
(photos taken at shadowbrook restaurant near santa cruz, ca earlier this month...blooming beauty in the winter!)
