My wife's grandma is 96 years old and even more amazing is her 100 year old brother in MN. Grandma, and a few of my in-laws hopped on a plane to MN for the 100 yr celebration. My sister in-law, Kathy Pettit, captured the following as John gave his gift of wisdom:
Gifts of Wisdom from John Z..
~ John said there’s no single reason why he reached 100, but if he’s given another day…“Well, Okay!”…the wisdom is to live in the moments of each day that we’re given!
~ John said his goal was to walk to the post office this summer, on days when his feet would cooperate with each other…the wisdom is to keep something out in front of you at every age!
~ John assured us that visiting was most important because the walls don’t speak…the wisdom is to visit a little more and push buttons a little less!
~ John spoke fondly about his passion for pansies...the wisdom is to nurture your passion!
~ John shared years of stories… to gain a century of wisdom, LISTEN unspoken, to a centenarian!
~ John said he had worked many jobs in 100 years…the wisdom is to embrace change and with adequate time, the reward will be wisdom
~ John smiled, laughed and revealed his sense of humor whenever we were with him…maybe that old-song wisdom still holds true-life is still worthwhile if you just smile…and put on a happy face!
~ John grew blueberry bushes, a Minnesota staple eaten right off the bush…the wisdom is; eat blueberries to live long and well; perhaps they really are packed with antioxidants.
Phrase to Remember…
Isn’t That Something? repeated often by John Z at 100 and Grandma at 96!