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COLUMN BY MARK W. EARNHART, D. C. |
Previous columnsLifestyle Changes to Enhance Your Health Omega-3 Oils in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia |
Madelyn's Secret
"Poor, decrepit woman!" I thought to myself as I observed the stooped senior in line. Clutching her cane, the frail-looking elder inched her way up to the ticket taker. The Tacoma Art Museum's touring exhibit that summer was "The Treasures of Russia." This lady was obviously determined to experience it. Amidst the spectacular collection, I encountered the wizened woman several times. More than once, I tried to inconspicuously shield her from visitors nudging in close for a better look. I found myself moved by her rapt concentration and delight. Despite her physical limitations, she seemed to savor every moment of that exhibit. Finally I introduced myself and officially met Madelyn Harding. When I asked what attracted her to this exhibit, her eyes lit up like sparklers. "This was my month to visit Russia!" she explained. "You see, Dear," she continued, no doubt catching my look of puzzlement, "I used to be quite a traveler. My favorite thing in the whole world is traveling to interesting places! Well, my health began to fail and my money ran out. But I wasn't willing to give up my travel! So for the past few years, I've chosen a different country each month, and I visit it right at home - Last week I went to the library and checked out some lovely books on Russian history and art. And I've been studying a little Russian from a foreign language tape I found--Nazdrovie! Today, of course, there's this breathtaking exhibit, and tomorrow, if I have the stamina, I'll take the bus to a Russian restaurant I discovered in the phone book. So you see, Deb, I can still do my traveling, can't I!" How wrong I had been about this remarkable woman. Though limited in health and income, Madelyn was rich in creative ingenuity, perseverance and gratitude-- qualities no economic downturn or physical deterioration can touch. When she encountered unforeseen obstacles in her later years, she didn't allow herself to remain diminished or thwarted; when her path became blocked, she created another one. At any turn, life poses challenges that offer each of us lessons, lessons about pain, strength, wise and poor choices, and bliss. Every day, like Madelyn, we have the opportunity to transcend whatever our current limitations and create positive, life-affirming experience. That's what "making lemonade" is all about. As we face disappointment and fear, we can also discover blessing. When Pollyanna Whitaker received crutches in the missionary barrel instead of the doll for which she had always longed, she chose to be grateful about not needing them. When we San Juan Islanders find ourselves constricted by recession, we can band together to create even closer community and be thankful we live in such an intimate, supportive environment. As you awaken each morning, may you, as Madelyn Harding, look for the lessons and blessings of each day, regardless of your particular circumstances. There's always so much to be learned and appreciated. Deb Langhans |
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