While visiting a nursing facility recently, I was given a brochure which celebrated retirees and their value, which quoted the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
The brochure said this:
“Our retirees are an important reason that our country is a wonderful place to live. We celebrate all senior citizens and older adults. Thank you for constructing a better country. Please read these words of encouragement by Mother Theresa:
Never Stop Yourself
Always keep in mind that your skin will wrinkle and that your hair will go white and that your days will become years… But the most important thing never changes–your strength of will and your convictions don’t have an age limit. Your spirit is like a feather duster to wipe away the cobwebs.
After every arrival there is a leaving. After every accomplishment there is another challenge. While you are alive, feel and know that you are alive.
When you are feeling sorry for yourself about what you used to be able to do, do something new. Don’t live surrounded by the yellowed photos of yesterday. Continue forward, even though you feel abandoned by others. Don’t let rust take away the steel that is in you.
Behave in a way that others respect you, not pity you.
When, due to your years, you cannot run–trot. When you can no longer trot–walk. When you can no longer walk–grab a cane and keep on going.
Never stop yourself.
She said it all.
