Rules of the Road - Visitor's Story

by John Fitts
(Palm Harbor, FL, USA)

A few years ago, my wife and I attended a church that catered to “senior citizens.� Though somewhat younger, we enjoyed the traditional service and friendly people. One lady in particular was in her eighties and greeted us at the same door every Sunday morning with a smile and kind words. We looked forward to seeing “Betty� and giving her an occasional hug.

On a Sunday when I went to church alone, Betty handed me a small piece of paper and asked me to read it when I had time. On the slip of paper she had written, "Here are some phrases to think about over an egg enjoyed from an egg cup."

Stay loose—learn to watch snails. Make little signs that say yes. Make friends with freedom and uncertainty. Cry during movies. Swing as high as you can on a swing by moonlight. Do it for love. Take lots of naps. Give money away. Do it now. The money will Follow. Believe in magic. Laugh a lot. Celebrate every gorgeous moment. Read every day. Giggle with children. Listen to those older than you are. Entertain your inner child. Get wet. Hug trees. Write more letters. Eat a soft-boiled egg from and egg cup with a candle on the table. Glory!

One Sunday we got to church and entered without a greeting. During the service it dawned on me that our friend Betty had not been at her post that morning. After the service, we went to the fellowship hall for coffee, and I asked another lady where Betty was. She told me that she had been hit by a car and had been flown by helicopter to the hospital in the south of the county. She was small and frail, but not a bone had been broken. She said that Betty was mad because she had always wanted to ride in a helicopter and she couldn’t remember a thing.

I discovered that Betty had been moved to a rehabilitation center near my office, so I stopped in to visit for a few minutes. She was in therapy, but I finally found her sitting at a table alone. I walked over to her and saw that she was horribly bruised on the whole left side of her face and body. She smiled when she saw me walking over to her.

I said, “Betty, do you remember that list you gave me about how to enjoy life?�

She smiled again and said, “Yes I do.�

I said, “Well, I have another thing to add to the list.�

She said, “What is it?�

I said, “Look both ways.�

She broke out laughing and reached out to give me a hug.


From Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul by John C. Fitts