Looking Back

By Darren Mann

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/looking-back

One of the most unique ways that you can connect with an individual, and particularly a senior, is by asking them about their life story. It offers unique insight into their experiences, their wisdom, and most of all, their cherished memories. This week, I chose to interview my grandma to hear her life story. My grandma was born in Westlock, Alberta and had 6 siblings. One of her earliest memories growing up was when all the children would get up early to finish their chores and enjoy the peace and tranquility of farm life. In particular, she enjoyed the freedom of living on the farm as she got to interact with many animals and enjoy the quiet, which was a stark contrast to city life.

In terms of lessons she learned throughout her life, arguably one of the most important was working hard and staying with things. You had to do the best you could do by giving the greatest effort possible and earning what you could in an honest manner. Moreover, she believed it was integral to not only work hard but to play hard. Balancing these two aspects of life enabled her to achieve success as a nurse and also travel around the world. Even when times were tough and one of her sisters was diagnosed with cancer, the two spent every possible minute together and enjoyed life to the fullest. If you don’t look around and enjoy the little things in life, sometimes they will pass you by.

However, as much joy as it brought my grandma to look back on her life, she also emphasized the importance of living in the present. She believed that individuals should maintain significant memories, but also be in search of new ones. This desire for growth is what enables seniors to achieve their life goals and leave no stone unturned before their life is over. Tell the people that are important in your life that you love them and how much they mean to you because life is both precious and unpredictable.