Visiting my 90-year-old parents has been an education in fortitude. As I watch them navigate a number of challenging obstacles, I witness what makes them strong and happy.
Tradition
Tradition plays a big role in their happiness and strength. Yesterday as we took down their collection of ornaments and the holiday tree, I noticed their happiness with this tradition. While Mom and I decorated the tree, Dad busily put up the wreath and connected the spotlight out front. Their home of about 55 years glowed with holiday warmth.
Routines, patterns, and organization
My parents' home is simply organized with the right amount of essentials for good living. They have what they need and enjoy a simple, healthy daily routine. This too leads to happiness.
Good associations
Over the years, my parents have fostered many good associations with friends, family and service providers. They have good friends and family members who are there to help and offer consult when they need it. They also have a number of really good service providers including car mechanics, medical professionals, home repair individuals, and more they can reliably call on to help them out when needs arise. They have fostered these associations with kindness, care, trust, generosity, and doing their part over the years and this is very positive.
Pleasures
My parents have a number of simple pleasures they look forward to everyday including sports games, particular television shows, special foods, phone conversations, reading the newspaper, doing Soduko, and household projects. This list has changed over the years, but what's important is that they do engage in activities that give life meaning and joy.
As I watch my parents, I am continually reminded about what is important in life--this is valuable learning that I'll apply to my own life.