Decided to fly the coop today and get out among people again. I had to go interview a lady today for some historical research I've had going on. I travelled in a bit frazzled, wanted to get her to check some facts I'd already prepared, but for the life of me I couldn't get my printer to come to the party. So after fiddling with it for too long, I left without it - and without my notebook.
Travelled in with a busy head. Was absolutely struck by an oddly religious moment...shared during my convo with Gammy this morning. It is hard to explain really, but there I was really struck by the diety/humility thing...anyway the trip in was very thoughtful, to say the least.
Arrived at the museum, to be greeted by the most powerful smile I have seen in ages. The ladies there welcomed me with laughter and their love of local history was just plain contagious. Spent a few hours with the curator, who I was astounded to find out was 96 years old. I kept wondering how she knew all this stuff...and laughing because she kept referring to the other girls as the young ones (they were all in their 60's I'd say). She was the most vital person I think I have ever met. Amazing. Not one time did she hesitate when sharing her thoughts, she moved around the museum easily and surely. I have absolutely no doubt this lady could live for another 20 years, if not more, without batting an eyelid..She didn't even creak when she got up after sitting (like I do!).
I asked her her secret. She said heaps of fruit (she still runs a huge orchard, that was first established at the turn of the century) and no drink! Ah, I said..well, I can do that!
They had been given a computer and after spending heaps of time going through maps, and photos and heaps of memorabillia, one lady laughed about the fact the comp had been sitting there for 3 weeks and they were scared to turn it on, because they didn't know how to turn it off! So after they had given me my history lesson, I gave them a computer lesson, which was heaps of fun too...and we giggled our way through it. One lady had told me how she built a dog leg fence a few years back for a display (a tricky fence used to keep sheep in, made out of sticks), so I told her if you can build a dog leg fence this is nothing!
I came home so refreshed...contemplating life and longevity. Grateful for my time with them, and determined to grow old very, very slowly.
I know what you mean...the residents at work range from 79-97 years old. Some are more agile and with it than others. It sure makes me grateful to be alive and determined to take better care of myself, so i don't crack around so much when i get there.
I've been looking into yoga lately.
Life really is what we make it, one day at a time.
Hey girls, I took my 78 year old Mom in for her check-up today. I commented to the Dr. how far we had to walk to get to the office and he said "Well, there is handicap parking in front of the building.","I said we don't have a permit.", he said" Well, get the form and he would fill it out for me." My Mom said" We don't need a handicap permit, we are not handicapped." You go,Mom!" of course I'm the one who carries both of our purses, her oxygen tank, and also left carrying a big bag of meds.We don't do wheel chairs either.
My husband's grandma is 93-94?? and we do the same thing, Gammy...she is the greatest person in the world though. I have learned so much from her stories of life in the early days. She told me once that she writes everything she remembers down and it will be up to us to make sure it gets passed on to the world( i guess she means publish) when she's gone. The problem will be trying to FIND it!!
