The Wise Old Man

A man of 92 years, very well presented,

who took great care in his appearance,

was moving into an elderly persons home.

His wife had recently passed away,

and he was obliged to leave his home.

After waiting several hours

In the retirement home lobby,

He gently smiles as he is told

That his room is ready.

As he slowly walks to the elevator,

using his cane,

the assistant describes his small room to him,

including the sheet hung at the window

which serves as a curtain.

"I like it very much",

he says,

(with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old boy

who has just been given a new puppy).

"Mr. Jones,

you haven’t even seen the room yet,

just hang on a moment,

we are almost there".

"That has nothing to do with it",

he replies.

"Happiness is something

I choose in advance.

Whether or not I like the room

does not depend on the furniture,

or the decor – rather it depends

on how I decide to see it".

"It is already decided in my mind

that I like my room.

It is a decision I take every morning

when I wake up".

"I can choose whether

I spend my day in bed

enumerating all the difficulties

that I have with the parts of my body

that no longer work very well,

or I can get up and give thanks

to heaven for those parts

that are still in working order".

"Every day is a gift,

and as long as I can open my eyes,

I will focus on the new day,

and all the happy memories

that I have built up during my life".

"Old age is like a bank account.

You withdraw in later life

what you have deposited along the way".

So, my advice to you is to deposit all the happiness you can in your bank account of memories.

And Thank You for your part

in filling my account with happy memories,

which I am still continuing to fill…

Remember these simple guidelines for happiness.

1. Free your heart from hate.

2. Free your mind from worry.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

If you like, send this message on….

it is the way we touch each other with simple truths

that spreads goodness in the world.

Who knows, a miracle may happen as a result …

After all life is what you make it …