#117: The Joy in Home

I love this story and this quote. And I love that my sister takes time to listen to people and engage with people that are, perhaps, outside of her typical circles. I don’t think everyone does that and I wonder how many 21 year olds do! This story inspires me to smile at and make space to connect with “strangers” when I finally get out of the house again. (It’s been 3 weeks of nesting with my newborn!) There’s so much to learn from everyone we meet if we just pay attention. Thanks Amanda. 

- Jaime 

 Amanda Posa       amandaposaj@gmail.com 

The Joy in Home

I was at my boyfriend Chad's gym a couple weekends ago back in his hometown located in a small town in Florida. I had finished my workout before he was done and went straight away to the coffee machine as per usual. I sat down on a couch in the lounge near the entrance way with my steaming cup. As I took my first sip, I noticed an old man and a middle-aged staff member conversing across from me. The first remark I heard from the smiling staff member was, "98 years-old... so what's your secret? Coffee?"

Sort of intending to eavesdrop, I started indiscreetly listening in on their conversation with a grin. The old man began sharing his secrets.

"I sleep 9 hours a night. I keep my mind active through reading and writing. I make sure my body weight fluctuates no more or less than two pounds.. Oh,  and I come here. Everyday." 

I think they knew I was listening because then they immediately invited me in on the conversation. This 98-year old man's name was Mike. Within the first ten minutes, Mike told me all about his travels to seemingly just about every walkable and swimmable place in the world, while asking me about the few places I had traveled to as well. Another ten minutes later after the staff member went back to work, Chad had joined the conversation. We told Mike about how our relationship started and the rest of our cheesy love story. He seemed to appreciate the little details. He then told us about his career and his experiences as a World War II Fighter Pilot. And about the book he wrote about his experiences. 

Mike told us about his love for river tours because there's more wildlife to see on the riverbanks than out in the ocean. I was fascinated by his adventures and listened with wide eyes... And I shared with him my own explorations with the natural world and animals. 

But after about 35 minutes, this conversation started to get continually interrupted by other gym members passing by. They all seemed to very personally know Mike and paused to say hello. Some cracked a joke with him. Another woman invited him to an event for the coming weekend. A different staff member walked by and made sure I knew his age! 

By the time Chad and I had finished our post-workout coffee, there were probably about nine or ten people gathered in this small lounge area, talking about life and sharing laughs with one another. 

The last question I asked Mike before heading home to shower was, "So, out of all of the wonderful places you've been in this world, where's your favorite?"

Without hesitation, he said, "Here. This town is my favorite. I have everything I need. And it always feels like a vacation." 

Of course I don't know the entirety of Mike's story (I have yet to read his book!), but I do know that he had a ton of joy in his heart. And I don't think it was because he had made it across the globe in his lifetime or because he found success in his business and career. I think the joy rooted from being surrounded by a lot of people who simply cared - who genuinely wanted to hear about how his morning was going and who loved being around his lighthearted presence. 

So... this unexpected affair reminded me of a quote that my older sister who studies well-being shared with me awhile ago... 

"When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want?

Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relationships will matter most then, shouldn't they matter most now?” ~ Max Lucado 

Thank you Mike, hope to catch up again at 100! 

Amanda's first-person bio:

I am currently in my fourth year at the University of Florida. I am studying Education and Sustainability Studies as I have a deep passion for both teaching children and for caring for the environment. I seek work, people, and environments that align with my core values of empathy, compassion, and conscientiousness. My biggest joy is when I can be of sincere help to someone or something that needs me. Whether that means putting in great efforts to go green, supporting the earth and its resources, or opening my ears to listen and arms to hug someone who needs support, I always find my motivation when I see betterment due in part by my actions.