Carson was the master memory player, even though he was only three years old, he couldn’t be beat. He loved the game so much I decided to hit up all the thrift stores to find a variety of memory games. At one thrift store I found a game called “Whose there”, claiming to be a memory game, packaged different then the typical memory games. Fifty cents was an absolute steal, these cards were full detailed illustrations, they were a larger rectangle, unlike the traditional small squares. This game was instantly my favorite of the collection we had acquired. I took immaculate care of this set, making sure to not lose any. One day a glass of water was spilled on the game and the cards wilted and discolored. I was so devastated. I immediately looked it up on all the big online sites where unique used items can be purchased. I found one set, but the price was $200. Needless to say, I didn’t buy a new set, but we still play with the old cards, and they are still my favorite. While playing one day, one of my kids was drinking water and I asked then not to drink around this game. They were perplexed and wondered why. I explained the full story and how I don’t want them to be damaged further. The kids couldn’t believe that I had paid fifty cents at one thrift store when another antique store had them priced at $200. They came to the conclusion that the original owner must not have realized the unique value of these cards, neither did the thrift store who sold them.
This whole situation gave me the opportunity to talk to my kids about the amazing value of our elderly. So often they are passed by and ignored, yet they have a full life of wisdom, experiences, and stories to tell. Their value is far above the respect that they typically receive. Mark has always taught me this through his actions; he loves to sit and visit with them, listening to experiences for as long as they will talk to him. Each time he walks away with additional insight that he may never have received if he hadn’t taken the time to listen and appreciate the lives of others. I have followed in his footsteps for the last 22 years, and I have also acquired insight that I use daily.
“Respect your elders. Learn from people who have walked the path before you. Respect them because someday, and sooner than you can imagine, you’re going to be old too.” -Anonymous
I have two favorite stories I’d like to share. The first one is about a time that I sat with a lady crumpled in her chair in a care facility. As I passed her, she tilted her head and looked straight into my eyes. I stopped to introduce myself and to find out her name. During our introductions, I found that her mind and memory were in full bloom, even though her body was wilted. We connected because we were both mothers of 7 children, and then she gave me her best advice. It started with a short story of her life–she lived through the depression, World War I and World War II. She told me that hard times come to everyone, but they also pass. With every sunset, there is a sunrise. She told me to keep my chin up, and to look forward for the light during dark times in my life. She told me to be patient and trust the Lord. She said that although she had endured some really hard times, her life was a joy and she has loved every minute. I find myself often repeating her words to myself and to others. I’m so glad that I stopped, appreciated her full value, and listened to her stories.
“There’s no greater agony then bearing an untold story inside you.” -Maya Angelou
Another gem of oft-repeated wisdom came from a vacation in Maui. As I sat in the lounge chair by the pool, I was visiting with a lady and I happened to mention how I had planned to lose 10 pounds before the trip, but I didn’t. She giggled a little and then told me that I would be disappointed to know that no one else cared. As soon as she said that I started to pay attention to the true fact that I also don’t care about what others look like in their bathing suit. Ever since that day, when I feel self conscience about what I look like, I remember that no one else cares. With that thought in mind, I am able to focus on important things like smiling, and recognizing others.
“The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” -Andy Rooney
I love 85-year-old Gordon B. Hinckley’s response during his interview by Mike Wallace on 60 minutes. Mike Wallace asked him something about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being run by “old men”, to which President Hinckley replied, “Isn’t it wonderful to have a man of maturity at the head, a man of judgment who isn’t blown about by every wind of doctrine?” I must admit, it is wonderful!!! What a true miracle that Christ has called prophets and apostles to lead us through the darkness and into the glorious light of truth.”
-Sherri Jorgensen
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