Cherishable Notions

I laugh with my future mother-in-law that I am much better at relating to elderly people than to youthful people (by "youthful" I mean childish [by "childish" I don't mean immature--I mean children]). But it is true. So many people say they learn a lot from their children, but I say, "That's absurd. How can you learn from someone who knows so little?"

I, myself, prefer to learn from people who know; the ageds' wisdom comes on warranty--backed by years of experience and a degree from the school of Hard Knocks. Children might accidentally say profound things because they don't know any better, but elderly people are eloquent because they cannot be anything else--their histories of trials-and-errors are sure to produce some fool-proof advice to help others.

This is my Grandma Strate on the pier where we went fishing many times in Texas last month. I consider her to be one of the most beautiful women I know--her grace and poise is comparable to the beloved Audrey Hepburn in her later years... Such a gem. [By the way, I can never be like Audrey Hepburn because she and my grandma both love the children. Pity.]

I love all my grandparents so dearly. I was grateful for the opportunity I got to spend time with my far-away Grandparents Strate last month in Texas. Isn't this photo (of my 90 year-old Grandpa) precious? I got to tour an Aquarium for several hours by his side, and this was his expression the entire time:


Look at those laugh lines! I will never inject myself with anything that could possibly hinder my acquisition of laugh lines--I think they're something in which to feel pride. I hope Kyle ages exactly like this when he grows up...

I suppose what I am trying to say is this: Love the children if you must, but please--please--remember to cherish your elders.