I must admit that one of the things I enjoy about my visits with LouLou, is I feel so young. 102 makes almost everybody young in comparison!
Today, we had our usual impromptu "Sing" in the living room. About 10 residents had gathered and we were having a grand time. I got them talking about their childhoods. Most of them remember the Great Depression. Most of them remember they were content, since they lived on farms and always had plenty to eat.
These dear old folks are not troubled by the current economy. Like children, most of them are not even really aware of the troubles facing our nation. Their basic needs are met. Their lives have come full circle. I felt encouraged by them. They have endured. They find joy in simple pleasures, like a smile. Or a serving of ice cream.
I'll leave you with this photo of my husband's grandmother. She is pictured on their farm in what is now Jacksonville, FL with her sister. Meet Elsie and Zena. I estimate this picture was taken around 1913. Zena lived to 101 years old and had seen the world change.
I am humbled and feel rich and young after my visit today! A healthy dose of perspective is good for the soul.
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9 comments:
Hello!
I love that photo. I always love listening to my grandma talk about when she was a young girl. She is 94. Sounds like you had a good time!
I have always enjoyed talking to elderly people and hearing their stories. My grandparents (my dad's parents) were SUCH an important part of my youth and I loved them SO much.
One of my biggest regrets is that as I got older and got "busy" i didn't spend more time with them before they passed away.
Your LouLou reminds me of them. They went thru hard times but mostly lived off of what they grew or caught in the river.
I grew up with a mom who never taught me anything about cooking, household things etc, so, the little bit I do know is what I learned from them.
Thanks for a great post.
Ditto what MY ADHD ME said.
:D
My first time here. LOVE your "dancing with the daffodils' title. Makes me want to dance right along with them.
sounds wonderful! This reminds me of our trip home the other day...
there was an elderly gentleman sitting in a wheel chair waiting for the plane. He was all by himself....no family/friends, no magazines/books...
and so my husband sat next to him and tlaked with him. He seemed so happy and every time we passed him in the plane he waved at us with a big smile! He even joked with my husband about all these new technology gadgets we have these days...funny, made me think of a more simple time. and what we have turned into today...just thoughts, not necessarily good or bad, just different I guess...
BG
That picture is awesome, especially since I live in Jax, Fl. Even in my short 35 years, I have seen this town transform from farm land to big city. Sometimes it makes me sad.
I love to listen to the wisdom of the elderly. Their stories are amazing, their wisdom undeniable. They deserve respect and honor.
My grandmother grew up near Jacksonville Fla. Maybe they were friends. Wouldn't that be cool. Great memories.
that just sounds like a wonderful day!!!
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