On getting older

This morning, 350 people attended an Older Adult Day of Reflection Resource Fair at St. Basil Church in Brecksville,Ohio. I was invited as one of the "resources," and since our table was in a prime location near the entrance, I got to chat with about 1/2 the group as they passed by on their way to lunch. Plus I had a bowl of Tootsie Rolls next to my business cards making it harder for them to resist stopping by.

My overall impression of these elders is that they seem to be in a good place--at home in their skin, not worried about what others think of how they look or dress or what kind of job used to have. Most were talkative, aware, kind and appreciative of the morning's Mass with Bishop Pevec, time of reflection, resources available to them and luncheon.

Whether walking on their own, in wheel chairs or with walkers, they showed up. A great lesson for us all. Show up in life. Participate. Smile. Offer a kind word. Crack a joke. Be at home in your own skin. These simple life lessons our elders still teach us.