[September, 2011] This piece was originally published in The Gratitude Book Project: In Celebration of Personal Heroes, a special Kindle e-book in commemoration of Sept. 11, 2001.
My mother and father, ages 86 and 93 [in September, 2011], are my personal heroes for so many reasons, but I admire them especially at this time in their lives for choosing to embrace the challenges of aging with extraordinary courage, grace, and humor.
“I want to live until I die,” has been my father’s mantra, and they have both lived fully and joyfully in spite of health challenges and the psychological pressures of age that seem to defeat those who are less robust in their outlook on life. Whoever said “Growing old is not for sissies” certainly had it right.
The cynic would say they have no choice…age is staring them right in the face and will happen whether they want it to or not. That’s true, but what makes them remarkable is they have chosen to:
- Keep moving and stay physically active.
- Take control of the things in their lives they can control and accept the things they can’t.
- Keep thinking and reading and conversing.
- Cultivate friendships and be good friends to others.
- Stay involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
- Accept invitations and have fun.
- Practice generosity.
- Dwell on the positive.
They are fun to be around, and they are beloved by their family and friends.
Mom and Dad are my personal heroes only partly because their choices have made my life easier and minimized my need to make decisions for them. The real reason is they have given me – and everyone who knows them – a precious gift of hope…hope that as WE get to the years when Mother Nature seems to take away so much, we, too, can reach down into those deep reserves of courage, faith, and love for the strength to face whatever lies ahead.
Mom and dad, I salute you, with gratitude and so much love.
Ten Ways to Talk to God
Thanks, Janet! They have been blessed with devoted younger friends like you and Mark and Tom and Joan — I know I’m prejudiced, but I just think they’re terrific. I hope you’ll share the link with others…the last decades of life can be extremely happy and fulfilling, but I’m convinced that it’s the result of a lot of small, daily choices, day after day, and year after year.
Joanie sent us the link so we could read this. Really enjoyed it. We have always admired and respected your folks and miss them at church. We went to visit them last week and thought they were both doing well. Wish we could see them more often.
Jim gave us keyring flashlights and the kids were happy when they received them at college in their Halloween package from home this week .-ha ha. We have used and enjoyed them over the years.
Best to you and your family,
Janet & Mark White
Judy, you are so nice to take the time to write. Your mother fits the description too, and she has been such a true blue friend to my parents as well. Since I don’t have your email, I’ll send a copy to your mother and she can forward it to you. Mom and Dad have loved getting to know you and your siblings. I hope we’ll cross paths sometime when you’re visiting.
What an amazing tribute to your parents. I have had the honor and privelege of knowing them through my parents Ruth and Bud Carter at Westminster Canterbury, and always look forward to my visits with them when I am in town. They have continued to support and embrace my Mom after my Dad died 16 months ago. I would love to get a copy of this to read as a reflection at work. Take care.
And we love YOU too, Beth! Thank you for this beautiful comment!
What a wonderful tribute to your wonderful parents, Elizabeth. How lucky they are to have you, too, as well as to still have each other at their ages. I love you all! Love, Beth