Today’s chat at the Tuesday Chatter Cafe
A couple of weeks ago I was downtown waiting for the bus. While waiting I had a nice chat with a man waiting for the same bus. He looked to be in his late 70’s or early 80’s. He had a stroke a few years ago and used a cane and his speech was slightly slurred. But he was in no way frail or disabled. He stood straight not bent over and he walked with a spring in his step. He told me he goes downtown every Friday to meet his grandson for lunch at a soul food restaurant.
When the bus came there were two of his friends sitting up front. He joined them and I sat in the seat behind them. His friends were complaining about their aches and pains and about how hard life is. Well, he took exception to their way of thinking and told them that life is good and they should be happy they are still getting around and grateful for all they have when so many have so little. Then he told them that when he was a little boy he decided that he would not complain about his life even if he lived to be 100.
One of the men asked if he thought he would live to be a 100. He said yes, he was pretty sure he would. The friend then asked when he would be 100. He replied Monday. Yep, he was born in 1917 and Monday would be his 100th birthday!
Several people on the bus heard the conversation and went up to him to shake his hand and say happy birthday. Me, too. This man was amazing! If my life can be like his at 100 I say bring it on! Really, if I am as fit at 80 or 85 as he is at 100 I will be more than happy, I will be ecstatic
Patricia's Place 
Wow , what a special encounter that was! I so want to not complain any more too . . .help me , Lord! 🙂
It was special and I treasure it. I hope I can be like him. I have some thoughts adjusting to do, though.
What a heart-lifting story! Amazing.
He made my day for sure! He is my hero and I want to be just like him.
My brother is 87. He plays golf 3 times a week (weather permitting) and is very active. He has all his marbles and other than minor stuff like his hearing, he’s in great shape. His wife, same age, is alert but with more physical issues. Has trouble walking but both of them have a mind as clear as a bell. He is my idol. I hope that I will be like that when I’m 75! I admire folks who don’t whine. As I get older I find that health issues take over a lot of previously upbeat people. Kudos to him. If you aren’t going to be happy, what’s the point of living to be 100?
Maybe part of the secret to a happy old age is staying active and engaged with others. Health issues do cause problems…this I know for sure…but our attitude makes or breaks us. This man had a wonderful attitude and he was keeping busy. Like you, I hope to be active and with a healthy mind that functions at capacity at 75 or maybe I should say 80 because 75 isn’t that far off for me.
I love this story, Patricia. What a great way to start the day. Thank you for visiting the Cafe.
Sometimes I meet the most interesting folks while waiting for or on the bus. This man was a delight. Hope your day was great sunup to sundown.
I love this post… it is inspiring and makes me want to get my day started and make it the best day!
The man was inspiring. He had a joy he shared with us that made me happy and thinking of him makes me smile. I would like to be like him.