I remember, with great fondness, so many life lessons learned at the knee of my cherished grandfather. It seems like only yesterday … and yet, today I find myself sharing that valuable wisdom with my own grandchildren. In addition, I’ve been able to add some personal insight of my own.
It recently dawned on me that this challenge is actually a great responsibility. I happen to possess a number of pieces which can be used to complete the “legacy puzzle” for my 9 grandchildren.
And yet I wonder if my words might fall on deaf ears. After all, I am a “Senior Citizen” these days … even though I can’t remember much of the rapid journey which brought me to this stage of my life.
Senior Citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. I know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. However, upon reflection, I would like to point out that it was NOT Senior Citizens who took:
- The melody out of music,
- The pride out of appearance,
- The courtesy out of driving,
- The romance out of love,
- The commitment out of marriage,
- The responsibility out of parenthood,
- The togetherness out of the family,
- The learning out of education,
- The service out of patriotism,
- The Golden Rule from rulers,
- The nativity scene out of cities,
- The civility out of behavior,
- The refinement out of language,
- The dedication out of employment,
- The prudence out of spending,
- The ambition out of achievement or
- God out of government and school.
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!
In addition, we do understand the meaning of patriotism and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Does anyone under the age of 50 know the lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner”? Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts!
Remember… Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what in the world happened.
YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!
I’m the life of the party … even if it lasts until 8 p.m.
I’m very good at opening childproof caps … with a hammer.
I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.
I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.
I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.
I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I’m very much aware that other people’s grandchildren aren’t as cute or smart as mine.
I’m not really grouchy … I just don’t like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, stupid commercials, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can’t seem to remember right now.
I’m having trouble remembering simple words like …
I’m beginning to realize that aging is NOT for wimps.
I’m sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen and doctors?
I often wonder, if you’re only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?
I’m a walking storeroom of facts … I’ve just lost the key to the storeroom door.
Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN, and I’m having the time of my life.
I simply pray that I can impart a fraction of the wisdom to my grandchildren that my grandfather shared with me. That challenge tops my Bucket List.
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.