Lesson in Life

"I can't stop growing old but I don't have to get old."
-- Patrick A. Hirth

I met an unforgettable 80-year old man last weekend. He is the younger brother of my husband's late grandfather. He looks frail and shrunken but I tell you, this old man is younger than his age and his looks in many ways. He told us his stories, chuckled at his own jokes over lunch of "bulalo" and "pancit" (btw, he does not eat pancit-- so whoever said that pancit and noodles are for "long-life" better think again!).

He told us that he is as healthy as can be -- no major illnesses and in fact still enjoys his pork chops and chocolates occassionally without worrying about his blood pressure. His secret he said is strawberry juice - drink it everyday instead of coffee!

He said he had maintaned his built and weight all these years - not even a pound heavier or lighter since he was 20 years old (that's some 60 years back!). This he attributed to exercise and being active- he worked as a gardener and rode a bike to and from work. And today, he still drives a pedicab to bring his grandchildren (all three of them) to and from school everyday. AMAZING!!

He talked about his pride in life -- his children (six boys and one girl!). Then he talked about his wife and how they brought up all their children and how all the children managed to secure college degrees. His wife passed away last year-- and it surprised me when he took his wallet out from his pocket and showed us a picture of himself and his wife. Then happily he said " she is not dead, look at her still smiling."

The picture was taken in 1930s when he was 20 and she was 17, and they just came from a movie date in Quiapo. It was faded with no colors but BEAUTIFUL because all these years it had stayed with him in his pocket, in his heart.