The lesson about life with its many twists and turns has been an amazing journey. I often think: What legacy will I leave behind when I’m finished with this race? What I do today, will it count for something tomorrow? When I’m long gone, will I merely be a faded memory or a burn in someone’s heart? Will my deeds be forgotten? Lost? Or buried?
I’ve read about some incredible women. These women did not allow age, status, limitations, or even imprisonment to keep them from their destiny. As fleeting as it is, they knew their self-worth and value in this life. Women like Mother Teresa gave 50 years of service to the poor, the sick, the orphans, and the dying in Calcutta India. Women like Corrie ten Boom who spent 10 months in a concentration camp, at the age of 53 began a worldwide ministry that took her into more than 60 countries in the next 33 years of her life. I didn’t know them personally, but they were admirable, inspirational women.
They made a difference.
Many endearing women have come into my life, not only as friends, but as mothers, sisters, and grandmothers. While each embodies unique gifting, each holds a special place in my heart.
One such individual is Elizabeth. She loves people. She is full of life, charm, and wit. She believes in having a 90% attitude and 10% circumstance. She loves to laugh, crack a joke, watch the Kentucky Derby, share about her travels around the world, read anything that takes her miles away, watch The Lawrence Welk Show, and go right on dancing if only she could.
I’ve known her for over thirty years, but within the past couple of years, she is unable to use her walker. She doesn’t walk anymore. Yet her mind is still intact; her wits still sharp, as well as her tongue. My husband, daughter and I take care of her. While we attend to her daily needs, she is teaching us about life. Oh, and did I mention a horse and buggy rushed her to the hospital and that she was one-years-old during the Titanic?
That’s right, Elizabeth was born in 1911. You do the math.
To know Elizabeth is to have your life enriched.
As I age, may I emulate her love and passion for living.
© M.A. Perez 2013, All Rights Reserved
Reflections From the Heart 
Thanks for writing
Hey Olivia – thanks for stopping by 🙂
A wonderful tribute to a beautiful woman, thank you for sharing about Elizabeth with us Mary.
I remember going to a Nursing Home with Ron and his singing group and meeting a 103 year old woman, she had me and the others in the lounge room, enraptured by her zest for life, she had known Jesus since she was 3 years old and He was her best friend, she delighted in talking about Him,
I give thanks Lord for Elizabeth and all the woman who are like her how wonderful to be able to be the same in the twilight years of our lives.
Leviticus 19:32 “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the Elderly and revere your God. I Am The Lord. (NIV)
Psalm 92:13 -15 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Christian Love from us both – Anne
What a great experience! Isn’t it a treasure to meet someone up in age with wit? My life definitely has been enriched for having known Elizabeth. Thank you for the scriptures!
Hugs!
You have been blessed with an “Elizabeth” in your life. How much she has added to your life and what you and your family have added to hers. Wonderful God connection with added blessings!
Amen to that, Sandy 🙂
Amen to that, Sandra!
Reblogged this on Rise Like Air and commented:
Doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. All the best Elizabeth and those who hold you so dear. 90% attitude and 10% circumstance gets you a very long way in this world. Thanks for the lesson.
Wow! Thank you for reading and the reblogging!
It was just too good not to. Thanks for sharing the lovely story. A lesson for all of us.
What a beautiful story. May God bless Elizabeth and your family:-) What a blessing you all are to eachother.
I love it when God puts someone in my life and then sense His love flowing through them to me 🙂
What an honor to care for someone who is 102 yrs. old. I was fortunate to care for Mom until her 94th year when she passed. It is a unique experience.
It is that. And your mom was a wonderful Tia 🙂
I love this story! She is an amazing woman. I know that if all of you are taking care of Elizabeth, then she is in good hands 🙂
She is such a blessing to all who cross her path 🙂
It’s so awesome to have mentors and great women of God to set an example for us to follow. I’m glad I have women in my life like her as well!
So true, Anna. They are such inspirations 🙂
W hat a lovely story…and photo.
Thank you, Kay 🙂
Wow, beautiful story. Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 03:26:27 +0000 To: jurbano45@hotmail.com
Thank you, Janie. Here’s to Living 🙂