LIVE ~ LAUGH ~ LOVE

I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people of all ages and of all walks of life.  I believe each person has a life story to share and much can be learned from the person.  A dear special friend who comes to mind is Alice.

I knew Alice from church.  She and her husband Al attended regularly and sat with her brother and his wife, 10th pew from the front, on the right side.  Al always had a joke to share and Alice was always in stitches over his jokes!  

Alice began to lose her sight and Al took good care of her.  He then became ill and eventually passed away.  Many of us were concerned about Alice living alone and whether or not she could take care of her needs.  Her family helped out and she proved to us that she was strong and very capable.  We lost Alice a couple of years ago, and Pastor Mike's funeral message was very fitting for Alice. It centered on "Live ~ Laugh ~ Love".  Recently I spent some time thinking about Alice and the things she taught me.  May these pointers be of value to you as well.

LIVE
1.  Regardless of your age, do the things you enjoy.
While in her 80s, Alice put on a swimsuit, announced to her family that she looked fabulous in her size 10 suit.  THEN she took a dive into the pool!  Alice refused to put an age limit on fun!
2.  Don't let a handicap stand in your way.
Although Alice became legally blind, she still found ways to enjoy her crafts and she traveled to see family.  Alice refused to sit at home with a "woe is me" attitude.

LAUGH
1.  Don't take yourself too seriously.
Once in awhile Alice would share her frustration of losing her sight, but usually she was able to laugh rather than being frustrating.  Alice did a lot of hugging, saying that the hugs helped her "see" who people were.  Alice refused to let blindness rob her spirit.
2.  Find something to laugh about every day.
Alice was easily amused by little things...Al's jokes, a bird that wouldn't stop chirping, pastor's sermons...Alice refused to let a day go by without laughter.

LOVE
1.  Point out the good in other people.
Alice had a knack for remembering things about people and encouraging people when  they were down.  She would often remind people of their strengths and earlier successes.  Alice refused to be critical of people.
2.  Only utter kind words.
Even when Alice had the "right" to be upset with a situation or with a person, she chose her words wisely.  At times, she chose to be silent.  Alice refused to let words come back and haunt her.

As you can see, I believe Alice was a remarkable woman!  When I find myself feeling critical or not wanting to take time out to play, I'm reminded of Alice's example.  If more of us would have a "Live ~ Laugh ~ Love" attitude, what a difference it would make!