For the past weeks, I’ve thought about what I would do differently in 2015. I stopped making resolutions in 2010, and instead had fun checking activities off of my life’s bucket list, and attempting to learn some important life’s lessons along the way. This year, aside from the yearly usual, “making health a priority,” goal, I could think of nothing exciting or meaningful to plan.
I’m home alone this New Year’s Eve – First time ever since becoming an “empty nester.” I thought for SURE I’d have thought of a list of at least 10 things to do differently in 2015, but it was almost 9 p.m., and I could think of NOTHING!
So, I took a bubblebath. That’s right. I took a bubblebath.
As I lay there covered in bubbles, I began thinking backwards into all that took place in 2014, and the numerous changes that have rearranged all of my life’s circumstances into new things. Goodness – That’s a story of its own…..
But buried deep in those bubbles, for some reason, I remembered some wisdom a very elderly patient shared with me. I laugh about it often, because it was so cute. But tonight, I think perhaps it might have been a piece of priceless wisdom….. Perhaps a wisdom that needs to become 2015’s theme.
Nora was my only patient that day, making it possible for me to spend quality time with her, and to help her with dinner, and enjoy some conversation – at HER pace. She was never, ever in a hurry. Nora’s dinner came, and as I cut up her meat, salted her potatoes, and stirred some cream and sugar in her coffee, she told me about her life. She was proud of her children, and she smiled ear-to-ear at the mere mention of her grandchildren.
I finally leaned in while Nora was eating her dinner and enjoying my company, and asked her a question. “Nora? If you could, at age 92, share just ONE piece of wisdom with this 51-year-old Mom, what would it be?”
Nora stopped chewing. She put down her fork and looked at me very seriously. She seemed to be thinking quite intently, when she answered, “I have to think about that for a little while.” She picked her fork back up and continued eating, but paused every few minutes to verbalize a “Hmmmm, let me think…….. Just one piece of advice, huh? Hmmmmm.”
Several minutes passed, and I thought that Nora had forgotten my request for some 92-year-old wisdom, so I reminded her gently. “Nora, have you thought of any wisdom you could share with me?”
Just then, Nora picked up her fork again, used her napkin to wipe her face, smiled at me and answered, “Yes, dear. I did.” “What is it, Nora?” I asked.
And she answered, “Please Dear, could you pass me the chocolate cake?” I chuckled, smiled back at Nora, and passed her the chocolate cake.
I’m going to take Nora’s advice in 2015. I’m going to move at her pace. I’m going to enjoy the little things in life. I’m going to savor every bite, every moment, every loved one. I’m going to look at people in their eyes, intently, purposefully, and kindly. I’m going to smile as big as Nora, and I’m going to do it often. I’m also going to occasionally indulge in some chocolate cake. Thanks for the priceless wisdom, Nora!
Happy New Year, from my kitchen table to yours!
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