YEARS

Each and every one of us has a story to tell just by living our “normal” life.  So often, we do not realize we are living a new page each day.  We have chapters in life; along with short paragraphs.  Often, it is the little things in life, that are so very profound.  

We admitted “Ted” to hospice today.  There can come a time to each of us when our body just struggles to keep on going.  We become weak whereby it becomes work to just do the simple things in life.  I truly believe if someone hits ninety years of age, they must be tough souls.  Being called “tough” or “strong” is a huge compliment when I hear someone say it. 

Ted definitely fits that description.  In the end, age doesn’t matter when you love someone.  Ted is a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather.  It will always be much too soon.  Keep living your life your way, dear Ted.

YEARS

 

He’s had many more years

than most of us will ever see.

One hundred and three to be exact.

A very full, healthy and independent life.

 

These past six months, though, have been tough;

once being self-reliant to now fully dependent.

He is so much weaker and needing a lot of help.

Residing now, in a residential home for the extra support.

 

His wife, ninety-eight, is also totally independent.

She lives down the street and visits him daily.

They have been married seventy-three years

with two very supportive daughters living nearby.

 

He became orphaned at a young age;

living in a Boy’s Home from nine to eighteen.

He then enlisted in the Army

bravely serving our country in WWII.

 

They married a few years after the war.

She stayed home to raise their daughters

while he worked over thirty years as a butcher

                    at a nearby grocery store.

 

His life depicts a beautiful and amazing story.

Through tough times; through hard work; through love,

he woke up each morning living it the best way he knew.

Somehow, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him celebrating

                     “One hundred and four!”