...she would have been the woman sitting in the seat next to me. I was traveling from Las Vegas to St. George on a shuttle bus and sat next to the most charming 80 year old I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. She was small and healthy and very spry. She was quiet and happy and content even though she had her share of trials in this life. There is something sacred and magnificent in the wisdom of our elders. I literally felt in awe as I listened to stories from her life. She was married at 19 to her 24 year old beau. They lived their lives together until he passed away 5 years ago. They moved to St. George 16 years ago to be a drier climate that would help her husband with his health. Though she was the only member in her family and had a strong testimony of eternal families, she was unable to have children. How that has made her heart ache throughout her life. But she has only grown stronger in her belief that she will be a mother when she returns to Heaven. It was so neat to hear her testimony of the lessons she has learned in life. And her sweet testimony of knowing that her husband has been by her side even after his death. She sees him often in the temple and feels his presence in her home.
I think our society has gotten away from the respect that needs to be given to those who have lived for so long and have so much wisdom. I am still amazed that this woman has lived twice my life plus one year! Wow! I hope I am as good as she is at her age.
BTW, she reminded me of Vicki because Vicki can talk to anyone for hours. She strikes up a conversation with perfect strangers at the temple, the airport, or where ever. I, on the other hand, can sit next to someone and be perfectly content not saying a word. I have to say it was kind of fun to learn about someone else's journey in life. Now, I can see why Vicki likes to talk to people so much.
1 comment:
that's funny. I was also 19 when I got married and Ron was 24!
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