SENIOR MOMENT: Special moments in our lives

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Graduation season; it’s ¬a time when millions of graduates of all ages joyfully accept their diplomas, transfer their tassels, and offer a big sigh of relief thinking that they’ve arrived, their journey is almost complete. They think that life can’t get any better, but it does.
The wedding season—¬a time when glowing brides walks slowly down the aisle to wed the man of their dreams quietly praying that their futures will be blessed with happiness and love.  They think that life can’t get any better, but it does.
The season of new life¬—when new parents forget the pains of childbirth and the uncertainties their child may face as they hold their newborn infant for the first time. Mothers are quick to relate that this was one of the most special moments in their lives. That was certainly true for me.
Life is full of special moments—¬some not as special and grandiose as graduations, weddings, and births—¬yet still memorable. Mahatma Ghandi reminds us that “a man is but the products of his thoughts.  What he thinks he becomes.”
Senior citizens may feel that special times are gone, relegated to the past, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Sophia, the older member of the “Golden Girls” television show cast, commented that “every birthday after 80 is a milestone moment when it’s not a tombstone moment.” Wise seniors value every moment God grants us choosing if and when to make them special.
A very simple act of kindness truly touched my heart recently and will forever be remembered as one of my special moments. A dear friend was wearing a beautiful lime green outfit with a matching beaded pin. When I complimented her on her outfit, she quietly unlatched the pin and handed it to me with a comment to remember her whenever I wear the pin. I was touched beyond words and keep the pin above my computer where I can see it on a daily basis (except when I’m wearing it). It reminds me of her generosity and how such a simple gesture can create a special memory.
Senior adults have the opportunity to create special memories especially in the lives of young people. In today’s fast-pace life, parents often don’t have the time or perhaps take the time to share simple pleasures with their children. Skipping rocks on the surface of a pond, watching a blue heron gracefully take flight, whistling through a blade of grass, or even discovering fossil marks on stones may be everyday occurrences for adults, yet memorable for children. Sharing indicates caring.
We’re encouraged to take lots of pictures, prepare elegant scrapbooks, and make notations in diaries or journals so that when our memories fail, we’ll have concrete evidence of past experiences. Glancing around our homes, we see evidence of special people and pleasant times. For you it may be your father’s desk, your grandmother’s apron, perhaps a childhood jewelry box, or as in my case, Mrs. Opal’s pin. Special times often come unexpectedly yet hopefully remains for a lifetime.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.