Everyday Aging – Finding Simplicity in Today

The weather has definitely made the last couple days interesting!  I am so lucky to have a wonderful neighbor who takes it upon himself to plow my driveway for me.  He has done this for my kids and myself for the last two winters and I am extremely grateful!  Plus, he is sweet enough to make sure he piles the snow up high in the yard so the kids can build a fort!  It makes them so happy when they come home and see the giant snow mountain waiting for them and it really makes my life easier to come home or wake up to a plowed driveway!  I am writing about this today for two reasons:
 
First, I want to say thank you to this generous man who looks out for me and a lot of people in our small town of Washburn.  There are a group of men in town who can always be found at Casey’s in the mornings sharing coffee and stories.  They are always quick with a joke at your or their expense but always just as quick to lend a helping hand if needed.
 
My second reason for bringing this up is that I know how much these guys have helped me out over the past couple years with various issues like flat tires, minor car repairs, snow removal and even mowing my lawn for me when my mower was broken down.  I also know that I am very lucky to be surrounded by people who are so willing to help out.  But I am very aware that this is not the case for so many people in our hometowns these days.  I am an able-bodied, healthy and active person and I REALLY appreciate the help I have received.   I can only imagine how much an elderly person could use the help around their home.
 
In this messy Illinois winter, remember someone around you who might need a little extra help.  And remember to look for the positive in your life and be grateful.  We may be getting older but we’re not dead yet!