I have just returned from a wonderful evening in the most wonderful company.
The occassion was the birthday of my best friend’s sister and it was purely a family gathering. Technically I am not part of the family, but his Mum always tells me I am part of the family, which is incredibly heart warming.
The reason why I decided to write instead of following my instinct and go to bed is because of another member of the “extended family” present this evening. I have met her once before a few years back and she made a very positive impression on me back then. Tonight she made an even bigger one.
This wonderful lady is 90 years of age, (you wouldn’t believe it if you met her!) and without a shadow of a doubt, she is the most life loving and positive person I have ever met in my entire life. I feel so incredibly privileged and lucky to have spent the evening in her company.
We went to a Thai restaurant, which would put the fear of god into most elderly people I have ever known, because it is something different. She was the exact opposite. She was thrilled with excitement at the prospect of trying a type of food she had never tried before and she enjoyed every mouthful of it. I sat next to her and we talked like we’d known each other for a lifetime. Every word was said with a smile on her face. Not just the smile one puts on to please, her eyes were smiling throughout. She was sparkling like a thousand stars.
Even more fascinating was how she showed a genuine interest in what everyone had to say as if the biggest secret was about to be revealed to her.
When she found out I live on my own she asked if I was lonely, to which I replied; “No, I quite enjoy my own company” and she smiled and said that if we enjoy our own company we will not feel lonely.
She told me stories of her grandson, who is a script writer and who has written a UK sitcom called “The Vicar of Dibley” with Richard Curtis, who wrote “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Love Actually” and various others. She was never boastful about it, just proud and genuinely in awe of people who could create and write like that.
I can honestly say that I have never met a more remarkable human being in my life and I have learned more from the 3 hours in her company tonight than I will ever learn from any book, course, seminar or coaching session.
If I can demonstrate that kind of attitude from now on, maybe I will get the chance to demonstrate it when I turn 90.
Dear P.
You completed my day and I am forever grateful. Your incredible and amazing attitude and outlook on life is, and always will be, an inspiration to me. Whenever I am faced with a challenge, by remembering our conversation, your stories and your smiling face, I will get through it.
Thank You
Posted by J 
Posted by J 
Posted by J 
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