A Life Well Lived - Sunday Inspirtuition
I’ve just returned from a few days of vacation to visit my aunt in Texas. We have a small family and she is the only one still living from my father’s generation. She is 93 years old.
My aunt Nell is an incredible woman. Originally from Missouri, she has that plain and direct style but without any aggression or stubbornness — just honest, direct communication. At the age of 93, she still keeps and cleans two homes, plays bridge, drives, is sharp as ever, and healthy. Not even one prescription medication.
She has lived an amazing life, doing many things that no woman had done before her in her quiet and modest way. She had a wonderful marriage to her best friend and enjoys the love of her son and grandchildren. She has more social engagements still than she can manage! A life well lived by a woman who is truly loved.
As I spent time with her, just being together, playing cards, and telling stories, I watched the simplicity and joy that is attached to everything she does. From the appreciation of simple food and good company, to the plants in her garden, the objects in her home each of which have a story remembered and told, she lives a life of gratitude and pleasure. Although she lost her husband shortly after they retired, she is never lonely and shows not a trace of self-pity. He is everywhere in her memory and she lovingly keeps him alive with stories.
How I aspire to be a woman like my aunt. Accepting and kind to everyone, always polite, not prideful, egotistical, or phony. Still open-minded. Spiritual and caring. Still teachable.
I truly believe that it is our attitudes that affect everything we do. When we are connected spiritually to someone, something, other than ourselves, when we are grateful and positive in our thinking, we infuse ourselves and those around us with health of the mind-body-spirit. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that this wonderful woman should be going strong without a medication in sight at 93. Her attitude of gratitude and joy in living surround her like a gentle, soft aroma. What a gift she is in my life.
