Coffee with Cream
Yesterday I attended a memorial for a woman whom I knew only briefly. I met her when we both participated in a drama class for people over sixty. When I knew her she was over ninety, witty, friendly, smart, and not at all confined by her wheelchair. I looked forward to seeing her arrive at our classes. She brought warmth and humour to our stumbling efforts. Unlike many of us, she never seemed self-conscious about playing drama games and participating in readers’ theatre. I wondered where she got that confidence. At the memorial celebration of her life, I found out.
She had spent a lifetime taking on challenges, finding creative solutions to practical problems, tackling political issues, caring about the welfare of others, and practising artistic talents. I learned about her family background, her formal education, her professional career, her faith, her life-long learning, and her creativity. I was both impressed and inspired.
At the same time that I was intrigued and amazed by her full, active, life I couldn’t help reflecting on my own. I wondered if she ever spent hours watching movies on television or surfing the internet as I do. Probably not. Am I wasting a lot of time when I could be doing something creative, productive, or helpful? Certainly.
As I left the memorial service I felt surprisingly buoyant and determined to accomplish more. She had impressed me once again, but this time she had also given me a kind, polite, and cheerful kick in the pants. Thanks, Marguerite. That was bittersweet.
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Categories: Living and Learning, Retirement
I truly believe words and communication are important. By sharing your words here you have influenced many with your reflections of Margurite’s Life and accomplishments. Thank you for the post. I for one am glad that you took the time to share your words.
With respect, hope, joy and love, Carmela
I second carmelasnelbaker. You have passed on her inspiration to others. Thank you.
Thank you carmela and Malcolm. Marguerite was a most remarkable woman. When she had to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair, she said “This would be excellent for playing the cello.” And then she went about acquiring a cello and learning to play it in her 80s!