Lessons from a 91 Year Old

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I’m going to say something and I really hope it doesn’t come off as insensitive….But…

Old people love me.

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Hear me out. First of all, I’m not talking about people who are 50 or 60…because hey…that’s young! I’m talking 90s. OLD. But I’m going to be honest, they flock to me. Drum up conversations like we’re Bunko buddies. I think it’s because I have an old soul, and they feel as though they’re conversing with a peer. Like they’re chattin’ it up with a fellow Red Hat Society member. I know…like I said…I’m a catch.

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But there I was, at the fish counter doing the grocery shopping for my parents, when this cute little old man with wirey hair and a big ol’ grin, came up to me and started talking to me. He advised me on how to cook salmon to perfection, complimented my hair, and then casually proceeded to tell me his life story.

And let me tell you, I love talking to the elderly, because I always leave with a little nugget of wisdom or a new perspective.

Anywho, he shared how he’s 91 years old and moved to the US from Germany at age 24 with “diddly squat.” [His words.] He fought in World War II for the Germans, and then flew 40 missions for the US against the Soviet Union.

He told me about how he was the first millionaire in his family, and has three Mercedes an a Porche — pronounced “Porsh-UH.” And how he buys stuffed tilapia every night because “his cat likes it,” and he shares it with her. And yes, he was talking about the animal. 🙂

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Now I’m gonna be honest, at first I was a little annoyed. I was in a hurry, and was doing something on my phone, and here comes this guy out of left field. I’m a New Yorker. Slower walkers and slow talkers are way up there on my pet peeve list. It’s right up there next to people who eat smelly takeout on the subway. Just. No.

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But listening to this stout, weathered old man, I couldn’t help but just love him. You could tell he was hungry for some conversation, and so gosh darn it, I could spare a few minutes.

But he said something to me that really stuck out to me. He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Go after the world, grab it, and run with it.”

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And that really hit me. Here was this 91 year old man telling me to grab the world? It just almost felt a little disconnected.

And I thought about it the whole way home and for a lot of the rest of the day. What could have prompted that jolly little cat man to tell me to grab the world and run with it. That’s not what someone of his…maturity…typically says. I mean, it had to come from somewhere. What in his life would have made him internalize and believe that?

And I thought about it and thought about it. And he had obviously seen a lot of death. Come close to it himself, probably – in all the wars he participated in.

Grab the world and run with it.

This, coming from a self made millionaire cat man, who rolls up to Kroger in a Porche.

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This man gave me that advice, because he had done that.

He had gone after the world. Literally. He left his family and friends and life in Germany, and moved to America with nothing. And he built a really good life for himself.

That was the world that he went after. And dagnabit, he did what he set out to do. So good on him.

It made me think…what is “the world” that I’m going after?

Really. It sounds like a simple question, but when I stop and think about it, what is it that makes me get up in the morning? What gives me purpose? Fulfills the longings of my heart.

And the more I thought about it, it’s not money or cars or the latest handbags or Kardashian whereabouts. Although, if that’s yours, then more power to ya.

I’ve learned more and more here these past three months after my mom’s stroke, that “my world” has changed. Ask me back in 2016 before all this happened, and I would have a drastically different answer…something along the lines of, acting career and fabulous outings with friends and loved ones, with faith coming in a distant third.

But today, I’m singing a different tune.

Today, “my world” is love. The love for my family. Love for my friends. And love for Jesus.

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Because when you’re sitting in a hospital room with an unconscious mother, you learn real fast what’s important to you.

Go after the world, grab it, and run with it.

Again, as has been the norm here recently, God’s timing is just impeccable. Because as I was relaying this story to my parents that evening, what comes in the mail? But a notification letter that I’ve been accepted into SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild – the union for actors. Which, if you know anything about the entertainment industry, it’s a big deal. It’s what I’ve worked for six years for.

Here I am on the cusp of the “jump off point” of my life, and leave it to God to literally present me with two opposing “worlds” on the same day.

God, once again, you’ve outdone yourself. I’m chuckling at your sneakiness.

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I don’t know why I was supposed to run into that man today. Why I was supposed to pick up that sacred salmon. Maybe he was an angel? Maybe he was just a socially-deprived veteran with an affinity for cats with a sophisticated pallet.

But when we left, he looked at me and said…”I’ll leave you with the German’s Rule of the Day.” And with a wink he whispered, “Stay beautiful.”

If he only knew…

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

289 thoughts on “Lessons from a 91 Year Old”

  1. Congratulations on getting into SAG!
    Strangers are pretty open with me as well. I used to work front desk at a hotel, and on my first day a sixty-ish year old truck driver from Texas got super comfortable with me. It was all well and good until when he showed me where his colostomy bag hooked up to his lower back. It was, uh, memorable.

    Liked by 4 people

  3. Beautiful story. God let people live to teach. Consider yourself someone very special. Older folks can see your soul. They can tell you are good and that you must spread that transcending goodness to the world. So take it as you have. Go give and teach as those old souls want you to. Go give love unconditional. Great read and thank you for sharing… God Bless..

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Just goes to show, don’t trust “cat” people. Just kidding. I would think a man of his age would have given better advice. Just goes to show sometimes youngsters are wiser in some things. And congrats! I’m ASAP member.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I have no doubts about you staying beautiful ! Inside and out! Congratulations on the acceptance letter! Another affirmation of your multiple talents. I try to read every post you write….this might be my favorite. I pray for you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Theres lots to be learned from the elderly, and while I’m glad he is proud of his success, at his age you truly understand that material things are unimportant. You can’t tell who has what or who comes from money in palliative care and love is really all that matters.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. this is so inspirational ! and it is so beautifully said. i almost cry thinking of how many missed chances of grabbing the world I had. but happily, I will learn my lesson and actually grab it next time 🙂 again, thank you for writing so beautifully a story that is in fact reality ! keep going !

    Liked by 1 person

  17. what a beautiful point and right conclusions.. Thank you for this beautifully written piece of mind, and for setting the atmosphere of the evening..
    Love is always the answer:)
    Congratulations on being accepted to SAG! Big things are on the way to you!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Amazing post Caralyn, congrats on the SAG! Well deserved. 🙂

    Also, the new blog style looks great, especially that photo of you up top 😉

    Very touching/striking story of the old man, I wonder what prompted him to give you that particular piece of advice, hmm… gotta love old people sometimes haha.. ciao ❤ xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, it’s kinda like the one world of chasing the dreams of acting/NYC of the other world of love/family/Ohio. It’s just impeccable timing for these things to coincide like that. Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Of course I never miss one of your posts 😉 I was making sure I had it right now to my comment LOL I know we’ve talked about coincidences, and how I don’t think there are any 🙂 God is amazing with how He lines things up.

        Maybe this old soul millionaire cat man 🙂 well, YOU were the blessing for him today, taking time talking, listening to him, etc. Maybe God used him, his words to give you, 1) go after the world, grab it, and run with it, 2) “stay beautiful”, so later you would know that was from Him.

        Maybe the reward for all your hard work, on not just your acting, but also on yourself, helping your family, and growing with Him, and today your unselfish kindness to a total stranger even though, as you said you were “at first annoyed” 🙂 lol But you blessed that man with your time, and interest. Maybe that part was for him but God blessed you with something that you had been working for 6 whole years(Congratulations on your SAG card by the way) It’s like to me the man today was that final exam, if you will, and God rewarded you, with your SAG, for all the work you’ve been putting in. As a sign that see this hasn’t all been for naught, you didn’t leave everything.

        As in “I am” and I see all you have done, and how far you have come, and you haven’t given up, I remember your dreams, I see your goodness, and sacrifice, and here’s a reward. Now, go after the world, grab it, run with it, and stay beautiful 🙂

        But then again that’s a lot of “maybe’s” 🙂 LOL Lots of hugs xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You are seriously amazing. THANK YOU. I am seriously fighting back tears as I am reading this incredibly *thoughtful* and beautiful note. I can’t begin to express how much it mean to have such a wonderful friend. When you put it that way, it’s as clear as the nose on your face that it was a nudge from God. I mean, wow. And seriously, how awesome are YOU that you would hash through this with me. You’re a blessing to me. Period. And I am grateful for you!! Hope that you have a blessed Easter weekend. Sending such big hugs and love xox

        Liked by 1 person

      3. You are too sweet!!! After I hit the submit bottom, I thought oh my goodness MAYBE I could have found a shorter way to say that. LOL Lots of love my friend, Happy Easter!!!

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  21. Okay I refuse to believe this is just a coincidence. There’s just no way!!! I’m an old soul too and I’ve had some nice conversations with older people too. 🙂 I loved this whole post, and the punchline at the end “stay beautiful” made. My. World. 😂 I love this so much, thanks for sharing this magical story. Good life advice too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Same!! It was WAY too much of a coincidence. It seems like that’s happening more and more these days! haha Yes! I definitely can feel that ‘old soul-ness’ come through. I personally believe its a great quality 🙂 hehe Thanks friend. I know, when he said that, I wanted to be like…wait a minute…am I getting Punked?? Do you read my blog??? I mean SERIOUSLY!!! What a crazy crazy coincidence. Thanks for stopping by my beautiful friend! hope that you have a lovely weekend! xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I just listened on Patreon. As always, it’s a richer experience! I’m afraid I wrote a bit of a book, but you got me thoughts going. That plus an experience today on the job. Caralyn, I AM SO happy for you to have earned your SAG card! Well done, my friend!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Jeff! Did you hear my mom in the background there? haha I recorded it in the car on the way home from having dinner with my brother and sister-in-law 🙂 gotta love close quarters. Looking forward to reading your thoughts! hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Although its easy to think that when you are down the world will be kind and lift you up, there is nothing more helpful than being the agent of your own happiness.

    Once you are that person The world will be easier kinder and more receptive. Happiness favors those who chose it.

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    1. Hi Kate! That’s so awesome. You’re right – their stories really are remarkable. And what’s even more amazing is how their stories (and the wisdom from them) spans the test of time and still holds true today! Sounds like you’ve worked some pretty incredible jobs 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Best prayers Caralyn to you on your accomplishment with SAG. I would not want the responsibility of making decisions you are going to have to make! Whatever your decisions are they will not be wrong! Just choices to exercise your free will God has giving you.

    You know Caralyn, Jesus shook the whole world and never had a penny or home to his name. You are on the right track with the love idea, love crucified arose one Sunday a long time ago. As you grab the world, do it to love the world, and your awesome God. Usual gifts that God is giving you do for the good news of Jesus.

    As I give the advice I remember that I get lost a lot on this one. There is plenty of grace and forgiveness for missed opportunities. Be strong and courageous and do not forget the love part of your life. As long as Love is true, love of God will be with you in a tangible way because God is love.

    I celebrate with you Caralyn!
    denny

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    1. Thank you so much Denny! I really appreciate it! Yeah, definitely going to leave this one in God’s hands and just take it one day at a time and trust that Jesus is going to lead me right where He wants me to be. And what a comforting thought about the missed opportunities. Gosh, I am so grateful for this incredibly encouraging note. you are generous with your kindness 🙂 big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I have a Perfect Kindness Teacher. I do not come close to expressing the deep and wide kindness Jesus has shown me. Remember, God is magnified in His children. I can see it in your posted walk with Jesus. HE has risen in deed! Walk with great joy/pride with all _tTt__Jesus__tTt_ has done, is, and will do.

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  32. Usual gifts that God is giving you do for the good news of Jesus.
    Well it was supposed to be this instead of the aforementioned sentence that makes no sense.

    Use the gifts that God has given you to further the gospel of Jesus Christ with joy!

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  34. Joining up with everyone to congratulate you on your acceptance. I am sure you have worked very hard to achieve that distinction. Thank you for the wonderful post. The “Oldest Old” are our nation’s greatest treasure. I am so happy for you that you know what your world must be now. Listen to your heart, because that is where the Holy Spirit lives. LUVYA!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh thank you so much Sherron! I so agree – they are definitely our nation’s treasure. Thanks for the kind words! And amen to that – We have been left with a Guide. An Advisor. Advocate. We just have to listen 🙂 glad you stopped by! hugs oxo

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    1. Hiya Apes!! Thanks 🙂 Yeah, it was such serendipitous timing. Who’da thunk that buying salmon could be such a spiritual exercise! 🙂 hehe Hope Good Friday is filled with a a beautiful connection to His incredible love. Sending big big big hugs 🙂 Say hi to your fellas for me 🙂 love ya! xoxo

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  37. Another great post. No words of wisdom from me tonight – you wrote them all. Congrats on your acceptance. I pray it gets you closer to where you want to your goal. Keep writing. You are so talented hope your career doesn’t get in the way of your blogging. John

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much John. I appreciate your prayers so much. Yeah, I’m trying to figure out a way to merge the two!! if you have any ideas, I’d definitely *love* to hear them!! thanks for such kind words. You are generous with your encouragement and I am so grateful for that 🙂 sending big big hugs xox

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    1. Thank you so much Teri. Glad it made you smile 🙂 Same to you! I just got back a little while ago from Holy Thursday mass. It’s always so beautiful with the washing of feet. And I love that – an alive Easter. Isn’t that what we should aim for!! big hugs to you xox

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Pat! I so agree – A reason, a season, or a lifetime. Yes! This man definitely taught me a lot and gave me some powerful food for thought. Little did he know that his quick conversation would have such an impact on my heart 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by! hope you have a beautiful evening. hugs xo

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    1. Thank you so much Anya! Haha oh my gosh I’ve never heard that before about cats. But I think you’re right! They (cats and the elderly) really do get a sense of your true colors 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  49. This post was do heart warming! Congrats first, for a wise decision to care for your family, and on spending the time with the older man, and SAG! I believe that God is always at work. He had to send you home before you received SAG…there were valuable life lessons there. Lessons you needed prior SAG. Just know that grabbing the world by the trail is different than loving the world. This is what God said: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2;15-17). Ssssssssooooo, He sends you home, gets you ready, opens the door, and sends you out with ALL that love and light to grab the world (people) but not love the world (system). God’s timing is perfect! 🙂 :-):-)

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Congratulations! I love your writing, wit, and the way you put your personality into it all. I pray all the best for you and your mother’s recovery xx

    Liked by 1 person

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