Happy Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day again, the day when my family scrambles to do some chores around the house--things they should be doing anyway. The only difference is that today, I don't have to nag.

Flipping through the May issue of Real Simple magazine, I came across these quotations from some special women: All were over 100 years old! They said much more in the interviews, but for various reasons, these stood out to me:

From Frances Johnson, 100 (p. 207)

"When things happen, they just happen. You move on."

"If it's not terminal, why worry? And if it is, you can't do anything about it."

"Dogs are meant to be spoiled."

"Something good usually comes out of bad events."

"When playing Scrabble, don't use up your S's right away."


From Edna Anderson, 100 (p. 209)

"Avoid a fast talker when looking for a husband. Go for someone who's steady."

"There are still happy times ahead after loss."


From Evelyn "Tootie" Yeager, 102 (p. 214)

"Never feel sorry for yourself."

"If you worry about being old, you will be old."

"Look for a husband who makes you laugh."


They have perspective I can't possibly have--over one hundred years of living! Thus, their claims that there are happy times ahead after loss and that something good usually comes after something bad carry weight. There will be times when we need to hold onto advice like theirs, especially when playing Scrabble against my brother. Might I finally win, after all these years? Save the S's, and there may be happy times ahead.