Thursday, September 1, 2011

Bank Account

I received this in an email not long ago. You may have seen it. It's such a lovely sentiment and pointed reminder that we get out of life what we make of it.


Earlier today I found out that an old friend from high school passed away on Sunday. These things somehow seem to go together. Be happy today because you CAN. Kiss those you love, reach out to those who are far away. Be kind.

A 92-year-old, petite, 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: 
1. Free your heart from hatred. 
2. Free your mind from worries. 
3. Live simply. 
4. Give more. 
5. Expect less.  
 

Headless Mom

6 comments:

Rocks In The Wash said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.

Thank you for sharing the "Bank Account;" makes you sort of put things in perspective.

One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Seuss, is "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened."

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so sorry about the passing of your friend. ((HUGS))

Heather said...

Hugs, we lost a dear old uncle today too. Love Rocks in the Wash's quote ;)

Kim said...

This definitely puts things in perspective!

Sorry to hear about your friend :(

Anonymous said...

Lovely post...I've know people like that older gentleman in the story...so full of grace. Thanks for sharing and reminding. Ann W.

Mary @ A Simple Twist Of Faith said...

I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but love your post.