I have a new friend. When I became friends with her I thought I would be the one serving her, keeping her spirits up, supporting her in any way she needed support. Boy was I ever wrong! As it turns out, she serves me so much more!
She's gracious and joyful and always glad to see me. She never complains and always looks on the bright side of life. She never judges and simply takes life in stride. Her name is Ann.
Ann became my friend when I started volunteering at a home for the elderly to spend time with people who don't receive many visitors. Turns out I hit the jackpot having the opportunity to be in her presence every week and listen to the stories about her life - a life that wasn't easy at all. But that didn't stop Ann from being happy.
As she told me, "It's my life and moanin' and groanin' about it ain't going to make it any different. So I just decided to accept whatever came my way and do my best to keep on goin'. A long time ago I figured out that when I smiled even the heartache seemed a little less painful and eventually the sun was shining on me again, never fails."
Ann is living proof that that attitude not only makes a difference in how we feel but in how we look. When I first met her she asked me how old I thought she was. When I said about 80 she just gave me a sly little smile and proudly said, "I'm 100 years old and in December I'll be 101!" I was speechless and in that moment I knew I was in the presence of someone very special.
When I grow up I want to be just like Ann!
Yes. Everyone should have the blessing of meeting an Ann in their life!
Thank you for your comment, Allison!
Posted by: Linda | September 30, 2009 at 01:58 PM
oh, that's just so darling. But now we all want to meet Ann!!
Posted by: Allison | September 30, 2009 at 01:28 PM