Joie de Vivre

Betty knows how to make the most of life

As a lawyer, I know of course that there are two ways of looking at everything - and today was a fine example of that.

The care home where my parents are now living held a Christmas talent show, in which the staff performed songs and dances for the residents.

Having visited every day for the past few weeks I have got to know several of the people living there besides my parents. 
One of my favourites has to be Betty, who moved to live there six months ago. Betty has a permanent smile on her face, and despite all the challenges in her life, she never fails to find something to laugh about.

I find her enthusiasm for life totally infectious. In fact I told her today that I was glad I didn't have a boyfriend because I was sure she'd steal him from me..... and her answer was "I'd have a bloody good try!"

At the talent show she laughed and clapped and sang throughout - a fine example of making the most of each day (and it looks like today wasn't our last, after all).



You would have thought my father, on the other hand, had attended an entirely different event. You only need to look at his picture to see exactly what he thought of the proceedings!  Still, as they say, you can't please all of the people, all of the time.


My father is not quite so impressed

Whatever happy pills Betty has been taking, I plan to find them and bring them back to Somero with me.  I reckon with could all do with a little bit of her "joie de vivre," She is one person that never forgets that life is here to be lived.

Anyway, is you need cheering up, here's a song I can't hear without dancing to it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDXf-GiWuF0



End of the World?

The whole world has been talking about the fact that tomorrow is supposed to be our last day. As in the end of the world. In our family we are fairly certain that if this happens, it is because Saskia turns 18 on Saturday, and her reaching adulthood is probably more than the world is ready for.....

Saskia turning 18 may be why the world is set to end tomorrow

Seriously though, I just watched a documentary on Mayan civilisation and the predictions they made. One of the archaeologists made what I thought was a very interesting point. She said that when there is a lot of talk about the world ending, at the very least it makes us sit up a bit and give some thought as to what is really important in life. The things that we really value.

I like that idea. If we are lucky enough to still be here on Saturday, then perhaps that is something that we all should do. None of us can be quite certain as to how we got here or how long the world will survive - but seeing as we are here for the moment - I guess it is up to us to make the most of it while it lasts.

With all this talk of the end of the world, and my dad reaching the end of his life in any event - you certainly realise how little material things matter.

Surely what matters is friendship, family, love and taking the opportunities that present themselves to us, in order to create memories that will last forever.

I am lucky. I have an abundance of friendship in my life, a wonderful family - and despite everything I have still not given up on the idea of finding love one day. (My Dad even gave me some money yesterday and told me it was for "the wedding."  What wedding Dad?  Maybe he knows something I don't?!)

If the Mayans were wrong (or even a little out on the dates), then 2013 will be the year to create some new memories. And I mean good ones this year. I hope some of you reading this will join me in doing so. Let's make the most of life whilst we are still here to live it!

Not so Alone

Sometimes there are moments in life where suddenly you feel very alone. I had one of those this evening. At times this year it has felt as if another thing cannot possibly go wrong... and then it has done anyway... and today has really not been a good day.

Cameron

A few sad things happened today, and as usual I tried to keep positive about them. But after another conversation with my mother in which she didn't know who I was, it suddenly all became too much. I sat on the stairs of the care home and cried. What I wanted most in the world at that moment was a hug, someone to tell me that everything would work out in the end - but the reality was that there was noone there to say anything. At that moment in time I felt completely alone.

But then, a few minuters later I was home. Even though I am not a great fan of Facebook, I logged on to check to see if I had any messages. And within two minutes of doing so, three of my children, all in different places this evening, messaged me to say hello. It reminded me that there are still people out there who love you even on the lonely days, and I wouldn't be without any of my children for the world.

Then without knowing anything about how I had been feeling this evening, Cameron sent me a message to say that he couldn't wait to see me to give me a big hug. And suddenly, there it was, the hug that I had been waiting for, sent to me via Facebook. At only eleven years old, Cameron has to be one of the most sensitive males I have ever met. Whoever ends up with him for a husband will be a lucky girl!  So thank you all three of you for your lovely messages this evening, and to Cameron for the hug...you have little idea how perfect your timing it was!

If you're reading this, then tell someone in your life that you love them this evening. It might well be just the hug they have been waiting for all day.