"You made my day"

On Tuesday of this week I went up to Ogden Regional Hospital to visit a neighbor who had just had surgery. As I was leaving the hospital I thought to myself that I should take the time to visit my great Aunt Betty who is living in an assisted living center right across the street from the hospital. For a few minutes I had an eternal struggle. I knew that I should go see her, but I had so much to do. After a few minutes I talked myself into going for a visit.

Aunt Betty has only been in the assisted living center for about 10 months. I have visited her before, but it had been a while. When I went into her room, her face lit up. It was almost as visable as turning on a light. She looked beautiful. Her hair was perfectly done and she had lipstick on as though she was waiting for someone to come see her. I remember her telling me once that she would rather go without food then her weekly hair appointment. She is absolutely a refined lady. I think that being a refined lady is becoming a dying breed in our society.

We had a wonderful visit together. Her mind is completely sharp but her body is weak. She asked me about each member of my family. It was obvious that she had been keeping up on things through my mom, as she knew all about Sean's mission call and other details that were recent in our family. My mind filled with memories of this sweet Aunt. Christmas parties, family picnics, wedding showers, receptions, baby showers and when she came to see me with my Aunt Janet after each one of our children were born. She and my Aunt Janet were also so thrilled that we lived in Bountiful. She has always been so dedicated and devoted to family ever since I remember. When I married Tim, she made me feel like I had won the lottery. She has always loved Tim. She always has made me feel that no matter what I did, she loved me. We had a wonderful uplifting visit. When I told her how much I loved her and loved her positive attitude, she told me that every morning her mom (my Grandma Bench's mom too) would wake up and say, "isn't is a beautiful day and aren't we lucky to be alive". She said her mom continued to say this until she passed away well into her 90's. As I was leaving, she said to me 'thank-you for coming, you have made my day". As I walked out of the care center, the lady at the front desk noticed I had tears in my eyes. She said to me "getting old is the pits". I told her that I had been to visit my Aunt Betty Tingey, and I thanked her for the wonderful care she is receiving. The nurse preceded to tell me what a pleasure it is to have Aunt Betty as a resident. "She is always so kind, appreciative and positive." I left feeling that this experience had actually made MY day. I couldn't let another day pass without expressing my love for each of you. It is a beautiful day and I feel lucky to be alive!!