I just finished reading a pretty amazing book (and found out my sister had read it and loved it too!).  It is titled If I Live to Be 100 and is by Neenah Ellis, formerly a staff producer for NPR's All Things Considered.  It was amazing and also a little terrifying to read these short interviews with people 100 or older.  One of the excerpts from the back of the book says:  "With the old, process is everything.  Love is paying attention and being here now.  Ellis knows this.  In her delicious book she teaches us all to slow down, fall into the moment, and listen."  I can remember seeing some of these traits in my grandmother and later my own mother.  They were always there and they listened.  Really listened.  I guess there is a message here.  I have to keep reminding myself to 'be in the moment'.  It is something I really try to do.  And listening is something I really need to work on.  Sometimes I think my children have mastered it better than me!  And in a way the book was terrifying to me because you got a glimpse of how some of these elders had degenerated in health.  And that is not a pretty picture.  So I also came away with renewed vigor to try to stay healthy and active.  There were also some amazing elderly folks who were extremely active, both physically and mentally.  I guess most of you who look at this webpage are much younger than me but there still is a lesson in this book for everyone.  I am not recommending that all read it, just want to highlight the aspects of loving and listening (in the moment) and taking care of oneself.  My thought for the day!  LOL