Rick, thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I could picture every moment, and I loved the image of this determined man swatting away his son’s “help” as he made his way forward. What a gift for all of you to witness and for us to read about, a living reminder that spirit and determination don’t age the way our bodies do.
His determination was so contagious and rebellious. His son had just said no, and in the perception of the old man that was it, the son had forfeited his right to have a say in the matter. So when the old man started to straddle the bench, and the son reached out, like his dad needed to be helped, the old man gave the son's hand a strong, swift, smack away. That was the last protest from the son, who rolled his eyes, I assume because he was used to the expression of this kind of fierce spirit from his dad. Exactly the kind of pluck, independence, and commitment you'd need to have to live to 102!
I love it when the elderly show us what's really going on! So clearly could I see that old man slowly but surely walk to that 'stage' and take his place with courage and defiance!Beautifully told as usual Rick.
p.s. I'd love to see you on that unicycle one day!!!
Ha, the very tall unicycle days are over I think. I've thought about it lately and haven't been up on it in a few years now. Being on it isn't an issue, it's what happens if you have to suddenly come off it. It's a long way down and my knees aren't what they used to be!
Thanks Bob. I myself often forget that my attention has strayed into an non-useful corner. Stories like this resurrect a more uplifting focus. In my experience you're another example of this kind of spirit. I know you inspire many with your own energy, love, and engagement at the young age of 90. You've got many years left by this model!
Beautiful story, wonderfully well told. Thanks for sharing... it reminds me of one of my own current heroes (you know him well). He's not 102 yet, but he continues to inspire me every week with his rampant curiosity and zest for life.
It remind me of the time I worked for a municipal transportation service that was located in a senior citizen recreation center. One day a co-worker wondered how the seniors who were in their 90s all seemed to "turn" nice, open-minded and accommodating. I replied that they *reached* their 90s by being that way all their lives.
In the same fashion, I imagine the same active, life-affirming qualities that your 102-year-old volunteer displayed during your show are traits he'd had his entire life – qualities that allowed him to *get* to 102. He'd been swatting away limiting beliefs and messages from others the same way he swatted away his son's attempt to help. This is such a great reminder that we are the sum total of the decisions we make throughout our lives.
Great point and reflection on the secret to longevity. The famous long-running Harvard study that has shown its close relationships that most lead to health and happiness is implicated here. On one hand there's becoming open-minded and accommodating and on the other hand, there's sticking to your convictions and pushing back against limits. Both, at the right time and in right measure, seem to add to the literal length and quality of our lives. Perhaps it's a strong sense of self running beneath it all that allows us to endure.
…one of the repeated stories of longevity i hear from the mouths of centarians is to live with joy purpose and action (aka without age)…as an attempting to be goalless human i could settle for being ageless also…
Of course you didn’t JUST ride a 12 ft unicycle. You walked a tightrope to get on it!
Wonderful story. I love your conclusion, of how you’d never been so happy to be upstaged. You also make an astute observation about the myth around people’s attention spans.
Thanks Simon. It was a VERY brief walk, just several steps, but yes, it was a fun addition to the performance. I have the fondest memories of these days interacting directly with the public and volunteers.
Love this story, Rick. Thanks for sharing. Full of human-ness. The elderly have so many rich lessons for us if only we would listen. Actually, scrap that, every person in front of us - young or old - have so many lessons for us, if only we had the eyes to see them.
Thank you Gita. Slowing down to allow people into my life and attention is a key for me in this. I often catch myself living at a speed that is faster than relationship.
You are not alone in that. Life has sped up and we are not designed to live at this speed. It takes a rare and daring soul to not succumb to this social conditioning.
Reading your post was a delightful way to start my day! And as a slowly moving 71+ yo this morning, I was inspired by this 102 yo old’s zest and determination. Thank you for the smiles!
This is what I love about notable life experiences, whether recalling them, sharing them, or hearing them. I had the same experience of feeling inspired and getting a boost of energy from just remembering the gentleman.
Rick, thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I could picture every moment, and I loved the image of this determined man swatting away his son’s “help” as he made his way forward. What a gift for all of you to witness and for us to read about, a living reminder that spirit and determination don’t age the way our bodies do.
His determination was so contagious and rebellious. His son had just said no, and in the perception of the old man that was it, the son had forfeited his right to have a say in the matter. So when the old man started to straddle the bench, and the son reached out, like his dad needed to be helped, the old man gave the son's hand a strong, swift, smack away. That was the last protest from the son, who rolled his eyes, I assume because he was used to the expression of this kind of fierce spirit from his dad. Exactly the kind of pluck, independence, and commitment you'd need to have to live to 102!
Absolutely!
I love it when the elderly show us what's really going on! So clearly could I see that old man slowly but surely walk to that 'stage' and take his place with courage and defiance!Beautifully told as usual Rick.
p.s. I'd love to see you on that unicycle one day!!!
Ha, the very tall unicycle days are over I think. I've thought about it lately and haven't been up on it in a few years now. Being on it isn't an issue, it's what happens if you have to suddenly come off it. It's a long way down and my knees aren't what they used to be!
Fair enough. But if you ever want to make a go of it again, post the video! 😜
No way I'd miss the opportunity to crow about being a 64-year-old man on a 12-foot unicycle.
This story is fabulous.
Inspired living is always worth celebrating and sharing. It’s the stuff that sticks in our minds.
Thanks for being a celebrator and sharer of the same Kathy.
Great story with so many levels of perspective to experience.
Thanks Genie. Even more levels now that I'm 25 years older than I was when it happened.
Really touching, Rick. And I love it about our attention, how it can suddenly get real right.
Thanks Bob. I myself often forget that my attention has strayed into an non-useful corner. Stories like this resurrect a more uplifting focus. In my experience you're another example of this kind of spirit. I know you inspire many with your own energy, love, and engagement at the young age of 90. You've got many years left by this model!
Beautiful story, wonderfully well told. Thanks for sharing... it reminds me of one of my own current heroes (you know him well). He's not 102 yet, but he continues to inspire me every week with his rampant curiosity and zest for life.
Yes, agreed. I told him so here in the comment section!
Wonderful, inspiring story, Rick.
It remind me of the time I worked for a municipal transportation service that was located in a senior citizen recreation center. One day a co-worker wondered how the seniors who were in their 90s all seemed to "turn" nice, open-minded and accommodating. I replied that they *reached* their 90s by being that way all their lives.
In the same fashion, I imagine the same active, life-affirming qualities that your 102-year-old volunteer displayed during your show are traits he'd had his entire life – qualities that allowed him to *get* to 102. He'd been swatting away limiting beliefs and messages from others the same way he swatted away his son's attempt to help. This is such a great reminder that we are the sum total of the decisions we make throughout our lives.
Great point and reflection on the secret to longevity. The famous long-running Harvard study that has shown its close relationships that most lead to health and happiness is implicated here. On one hand there's becoming open-minded and accommodating and on the other hand, there's sticking to your convictions and pushing back against limits. Both, at the right time and in right measure, seem to add to the literal length and quality of our lives. Perhaps it's a strong sense of self running beneath it all that allows us to endure.
…one of the repeated stories of longevity i hear from the mouths of centarians is to live with joy purpose and action (aka without age)…as an attempting to be goalless human i could settle for being ageless also…
Great definition of agelessness. Joy, purpose, action. : )
Of course you didn’t JUST ride a 12 ft unicycle. You walked a tightrope to get on it!
Wonderful story. I love your conclusion, of how you’d never been so happy to be upstaged. You also make an astute observation about the myth around people’s attention spans.
Thanks Simon. It was a VERY brief walk, just several steps, but yes, it was a fun addition to the performance. I have the fondest memories of these days interacting directly with the public and volunteers.
Love this story, Rick. Thanks for sharing. Full of human-ness. The elderly have so many rich lessons for us if only we would listen. Actually, scrap that, every person in front of us - young or old - have so many lessons for us, if only we had the eyes to see them.
Thank you Gita. Slowing down to allow people into my life and attention is a key for me in this. I often catch myself living at a speed that is faster than relationship.
You are not alone in that. Life has sped up and we are not designed to live at this speed. It takes a rare and daring soul to not succumb to this social conditioning.
: ) amen
Oh so touching and real, Rick. Thanks for another inspiring story for us to take in.
My pleasure Linda
Love all the stories from your street performing days!
Thanks Chao. I have lots of 'em.
Reading your post was a delightful way to start my day! And as a slowly moving 71+ yo this morning, I was inspired by this 102 yo old’s zest and determination. Thank you for the smiles!
This is what I love about notable life experiences, whether recalling them, sharing them, or hearing them. I had the same experience of feeling inspired and getting a boost of energy from just remembering the gentleman.
That is wonderful.
Thank you.