A 92-year-old, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
“I love it,” he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
“Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.”
“That doesn't have anything to do with it,” he replied.
“Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged...it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!”
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
- Free your heart from hatred.
- Free your mind from worries.
- Live simply.
- Give more.
- Expect less.
This is awesome, and wonderful advice. Thank you for sharing Cat.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
You're welcome, Roz...this is wonderful advice isn't it.
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
A wonderful reminder...I have often said to my kids...it is all about the memories hugs abby
ReplyDeleteSo true isn't it Abby. ;)
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
Perfect! I'm going to take that advice!
ReplyDeleteHappy you're going to do that, Minelle. ;)
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
Wonderful Cat. I'm going to take that advice as well. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ronnie
xx
You're welcome, Ronnie...happy you're going to take the advice also. :)
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
Hi Cat, this is lovely, I'm absolutely going to take that advice. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletehugs
Nina
You're welcome, Nina...so happy you're going to follow this advice. Sending hugs to Rina and hugs and tummy tickles to Tilda from auntie Cat! Hope you are getting plenty of rest.
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
HI Cat, I so wish I was brave enough to make my mum read this. I have never known anyone with such an empty cup
ReplyDeletelove Jan,xx
I'm sorry your mum has such issues, Jan. You might want to consider printing this out and just sharing it with her as a lovely article a friend sent you...no finger pointing. Sending lots of prayers and positive energy your way.
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
How great is that - a shining example of how we should all be.
ReplyDeleteI so agree Sunny...it definitely is!
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
I just bought myself a plaque that states "Happiness is something you decide ahead of time" too, and hung it by our front door! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely plaque to put by your front door, Julia. I do like that idea...thanks for sharing. :)
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
Beautiful, Cat. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteappy
You're welcome, Appy...so happy you enjoyed.
DeleteHugs and blessings...Cat