I try to always be hopeful, and that helps keep me feeling OK.
I usually wake up early, really early. Last night, I completely skipped the sleep part just to get a head start on my day. There is something I have to do and since it isn't pleasant, worry kept me awake. To pass the time, I took to my handy-dandy iPad to look for something that would lift my spirits. I came upon this story about a 105 year old lady who with just the help of a walker to steady herself, is in seemingly good health both physically and mentally. Agnes was chosen to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game and so not to disappoint, she practiced and practiced to get it right.
And here is how she did:
Every day is an opportunity, no matter your circumstances.
I usually wake up early, really early. Last night, I completely skipped the sleep part just to get a head start on my day. There is something I have to do and since it isn't pleasant, worry kept me awake. To pass the time, I took to my handy-dandy iPad to look for something that would lift my spirits. I came upon this story about a 105 year old lady who with just the help of a walker to steady herself, is in seemingly good health both physically and mentally. Agnes was chosen to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game and so not to disappoint, she practiced and practiced to get it right.
And here is how she did:
Every day is an opportunity, no matter your circumstances.
Arleen, Wow! I am in awe of Ms. McKee...what a wonderful spirit. I hope whatever is keeping you awake turns out well. Holding you in my thoughts. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteShe is an inspiration. I hope that if I make it to 105, no one will ask me to throw a ball. I couldn't throw one when I was five, 25, or 55, and I doubt if I will learn a new skill at this point in life.
DeleteYou picked a diamond. A real diamond.
ReplyDeleteReally good comment, Joanne.
DeleteI expect that when you get to her age, you will even do better than Agnes.
She's inspirational for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd she dresses nice also.
DeleteWow! Fantabulous! I really enjoyed getting to "meet" that amazing lady. She has lots of spunk. If I live to be that old (which is debatable) I can't picture myself throwing a first pitch, but I hope to still have lots of spunk, anyhow. Guess I'd better start drinking martinis, eh?
ReplyDeleteI hope whatever kept you awake turns out well. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
Martinis and dancing - I wonder if she knew Fred Astaire.
DeleteThank you. Inspirational - and humbling. Perhaps I need to start with the martinis and dancing and work up to ball games.
ReplyDeletePS: I hope the reason for your sleepness night is in the past - and resolved.
DeleteAfter the martinis and the dancing, all I would want to do is go to bed.
DeleteThank you for your positive thoughts. Things got put off and not resolved.
Absolutely amazing. What an inspiring life. Her paintings are beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteShe looks like such a fun and interesting lady. I have a feeling that she did much more in her life other than getting old.
DeleteThat's a wonderful story! Makes me feel better about aging. I hope that whatever you had to do went okay, and that you're now off to a well deserved sleep. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's all a matter of attitude, and of course, good health.
DeleteWhen I'm 105, I hope to pitch better than boys twice my age.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I am around to see that, Geo.
DeleteSuch a delightful story, Arleen. She's pretty spunky at 105, as you said.
ReplyDeleteHope you are OK.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
The fact that she is breathing is quite an accomplishment.
DeleteAll we get in life are choices, and it's up to us to be happy. She's my hero today.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely true, Laura. I love that her hope is to get rid of her walker even though the doctor said that won't happen. Having hope keeps us going.
DeleteI saw her on the news tonight. She was not about to give up that ball as she walked off the field. :)
ReplyDeleteI dare anyone to take it from her.
DeleteWhat an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteEven before she got old, I bet her attitude was an inspiration to others.
DeleteI'll tell you what.....THIS made me smile.
ReplyDeletexo
Jo
It is always good to make someone smile.
DeleteIsn't she an amazing lady. I can never get enough of watching that video. What an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI think I have watched her interview a dozen times. I would love to sit down and talk to her.
DeleteMy neighbour lived next door to a wonderful old lady who was a pianist, she was well over 100 and practised everyday. She was also a holocaust survivor and managed to remain positive and optimistic. I don't think I could do that but still -she was an inspiration! .
ReplyDeleteHaving a love for music might have helped her with those terrible memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! This is truly something you have to see to believe, and I'm so glad that you showed us the interview leading up to the pitch. I hope that everything is okay, and you're able to get some rest.
ReplyDeleteJulie
She seems happier and more hopeful than many people 1/4 of her age, doesn't she.
DeleteHi Arleen,
ReplyDeleteI love inspiring stories like this. The Padres may have found themselves an all-star pitcher.
I do hope the worry has subsided and you've managed to get a peaceful sleep, my dear friend.
Gary
Maybe my local team, the Philadelphia Phillies should scout her out. I bet she would bring in the crowds.
DeleteThis is the best story I've heard lately that makes me smile. What a classy lady.
ReplyDeleteI think the word "classy" describes her well, Susan.
DeleteI sincerely hope I don’t live to 105 but if I have to (most unlikely) I’d like to be like her. I’d hate to be patronised, though.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they were patronizing her at all. I think the team was honored to have her and she was thrilled to be able to do it. Heck, getting up at 105 is quite a thrill anyway.
DeleteInsomnia is a difficult bed-fellow, but I love your humorous take on it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Now if I had someone besides me that didn't snore....
DeleteIt's all about attitude (and choosing the right parents for the genes!)
ReplyDeleteThat lady really enjoys life - good luck to her!
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What a lovely lady and you are lovely too. I hope whatever task you had to face wasn't too much!
ReplyDeleteAt 105 I'd be happy to be at the game, let alone the first pitch. Love your beautiful header.
ReplyDeleteWhat a star! And sending Love and Light to you my dear for whatever challenges you are facing right now x
ReplyDeleteThere are people who serve as examples, aren't there?!
ReplyDeleteI've not been sleeping myself, and you have my sympathies...
Pearl
Hello Arleen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great spirit!
It seems to us that some people have a willingness to look for adventure and challenge throughout their lives whilst others give up being interested in anything other than themselves at an early age. We are convinced that it is through maintaining a curiosity about life which helps one to reach and enjoy old age.
A wonderful story!
Agnes is a hometown gal, here in San Diego area. Incredible! I'd love to meet her.
ReplyDeleteLove to hear stories like this one. What a challenge for a 100 year old. Yes, sometimes I think we give up too easily as we age. I really try to push myself every day to do something physical to keep in shape, walking, stretching, exercise. Though I lost my husband recently I am seeing so many possibilities with the years I have left. Blessings to you and thanks for the lovely post.
ReplyDeleteGood on yer...very inspiring. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, thanks for sharing this inspiring story. What a delight this105-year-old woman seems to be. Think of all she's witnessed! She must have been born in 1909. My mom was born a year later and died at 58. Now that I'm 78, I find myself really enthralled by women and men who have aged and are still mentally alert and active. I think that's what we all want to be as we age.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if one has to stay awake all night--and I sometimes do when I'm reading a good book--then finding videos like this makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog the last two weeks since I started posting again. I so appreciate your take on what I write. You always seem so clear-sighted. Peace.
I am the snorer in our partnership-I wish it wasn't so. My 89yr old father is a going concern as were many of his aunts. I feel dull in comparison, likely I didn't inherit the correct genes. Hang in their kiddo, you're doing a great job.
ReplyDelete