Advice from a 95 Year-Old
Last night we had our twice-yearly dinner with one of my father-in-laws favorite patients as he was in town for his doc appointments. Twice a year he piles in a car with a few of his more sprightly friends (they’re in their 70s) and they drive over from California for a few days of doctor visit and to hit the town. (and last night he was complaining to me about the fact that it took a long time to get anywhere because the driver on this particular trip kept slowing down to look at hot women)Â In their plans, however, is always a steak dinner with my family.
When we get to the restaurant, B is running the show immediately. From this frail man is issued commands on who sits next to who, no spouses sitting together, Ryan must sit where he can talk to him, people with common interests should meet and sit within earshotÂ… It is quite a production! Once we’re all settled in we are encouraged to order whatever we want, but that must include the same appetizers we always get, and we all must order a drink.
The restaurant is pretty loud, so it is hard for B to hear all of us, and hard for some of us to hear him, but we all have a great time anyway. My favorite part is when he starts talking about his life. He’s from Sweden and claims that something like 60% of Sweeds are left-handed. Who knew?
Last night I also learned that when he was very young, B was told by a professional gambler to always keep 26 cents in his pocket. Two dimes, a nickle, and a penny. We all asked if that was for emergency phone calls and a little left over, and he said he didn’t know, but he’d kept two dimes, a nickle and a penny in his right pocket for all his life. He attributes all of his good luck to this. I suspect his luck has much more to do with his generosity towards all people.
When my mother-in-law commented on the fact that his skin was gorgeous and that he didn’t have a wrinkle on his face, he informed us that he never, ever used soap on his face. “I don’t let soap touch it!”.
And of the fate of our country, he thinks we’re in trouble the way we’re headed. Can you imagine seeing 95 years of change in a place? I’d imagine he has a pretty good idea whether we’re on the right track or not.
So B, thank you for a wonderful night, yet again. And to you: a very Happy Birthday tomorrow. 95 never looked so good and we’ll see you again in 6 months.
I love the change part. I’m totally superstitious. I might just start that one.
How wonderful to be 95 years old and have all your marbles! There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting down with older people and listening to their life stories and their helpful hints. My grandmother also had very good skin and she used to tell me to always make sure I smeared some fat on my face! When she first gave me this advice I was confused…butter? oil? lard? Turns out she just meant for me to put cream on my face, and it didn’t matter what kind as long as I used something.
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