Skip to main content

The Older Woman




I whipped around the roundabout in Sedona and took the exit that turns off into the nursing home where my friend, Betty, lives.  She and I laugh together about everyday life.  Betty has an engaging way of tilting her head to the side and smiling as we discuss baseball, family and purses.  Betty loves my purses.  She especially likes the ones that are colorful and have sequins.  I like to brighten her day with samples of homemade sweets and greeting cards.  Recently I designed a card for her with hopes to tickle her funny bone.

Betty showed me her new CD player during my visit.  It sits next to her recliner chair and oxygen machine.  She turned it on and set the volume high as we listened to Cracklin Rosie by Neil Diamond.  “Isn’t he wonderful, honey?”  Betty asked.

I told her he’s one of my favorites too.  “What does that mean ‘store bought woman’?” Betty asked. 

I explained to Betty he’s singing about a bottle of wine that he spent the night with…his store bought woman. 

“Oh, o.k. . . . . How old is he, honey?”   She had me there.  Could his age be 71?  We looked to Google and learned Neil turned 75!  Betty, at 94, joked that he’s too young for her!

“Cheer up, Betty, lots of guys these days go for older women,”   I teased.


Betty told me she has other CD’s, but she only listens to Neil.  I told Betty about the wedding anniversary in Phoenix one year when I attended Neil’s concert with my husband.  I told her how wonderful he sounds in person.  “He is a showman, Betty, and works hard on stage belting out all his former hits.  He loves his audience.”  She hung on my every word!


When I left Betty’s room, I sat in my car contemplating our friendship.  Somewhere in her long life wisdom showed her the way to love people, appreciate things and endure hardships.  Clearly she is aging and looking very tired.  Her example teaches me that though the physical body wears out, the spirit stays strong.  Every new day is a gift.


After my visit, I enjoyed making a homemade card for Betty.  On the front of the white pressed linen card stock, I glued a black and white picture of Neil Diamond.   I wrote inside how much I love her and the how the joy inside her bounces off to me.  






Oh to be able to see her face when the mail came to her room!  Then, again, maybe it’s a simple pleasure for her to reflect on her favorite singer who brightens her listening hours while she reads words from a friend who thinks she’s delightful!

I realize it’s the little everyday things in life that matter most.  

And thank you, Neil Diamond, for entertaining an old gal.  Make that two old gals! 

Comments

  1. I love Neil Diamond as well! This is such a lovely and inspiring post...yes, we must realize and cherish each new day as a gift!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Linda!
      I think I would have a hard time choosing one favorite Neil Diamond song!! What's yours?

      Delete
  2. Betty sounds delightful! She's sure got good taste in singers ... and friends!

    Your custom card touched my heart. You're right, it's the little things that make a BIG difference in someone's day. This post just made mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, Myra, a sweet comment from you makes me smile!

      Delete
  3. Ahh! Age doesn't matter. I'd say you two are young at heart! ;)

    How thoughtful of you to create that special card! Yes, it's little things like that, I agree, that matter! Even your visit! I am sure that your visit is like water that brought refreshment to a weary soul!

    Neil Diamond has that distinct voice that is worth listening to over and over. Unique but I love it when I was learning how to play the guitar that some of his songs had easy chords, yet he is a great guitarist!

    I know he sang "Sweet Caroline" but I'm not sure why it became "Sweet Mary"...Your hands that always REACH OUT to a friend! God bless and protect you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A highlight for us was in Mexico when Tom found a great restaurant with a singer at the keyboard singing Sweet Caroline! We didn't expect that and the food was perfect!

      Delete
  4. I just can't believe Neil Diamond is 75 yesrs old! He was my first concert when I was 19 years old and I have seen him 2 other times over the years. Always a treat show! Your Betty indeed sounds so delightful. What a blessing you both are to each other!

    Betty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, Betty, 75 right? What a voice and I like his style.

      Delete
  5. What a sweet friend your Betty is! We are never too old to have a crush. Her eyes will probably not leave your sweet home made card!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, Melanie, that's exactly right. She stares at it from what I hear and it brings her joy. So happy it does!

      Delete
  6. Awe...this just made me smile and tear up at the same time! Such a precious post today. I bet your friend Betty will LOVE her card....OR maybe just the picture of NEIL! Ha! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindy, she is an excited fan and very loyal to him. Won't even consider the other CD's given to her! She plays Neil's songs EVERY DAY!

      Delete
  7. Mary, I think you're a diamond.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, Cho, what a nice thing to say. Thank you!

      Delete
  8. This post made me smile. Betty is blessed to have such a friend, and you are blessed to have Betty. Neil Diamond would love this story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, our love for each other is mutual and we both love Neil! And baseball, and purses, and cookies!

      Delete
  9. This whole post made me smile, Mary. What a blessing you are to visit Betty and fill her day with love. I know that you would say that you get even more in return!

    I also love Neil Diamond. Interesting sidenote - I go with my oldest son to professional hockey games sometimes, and there are times during intermission when the speaker cranks out "Sweet Caroline." It's quite something to sing out loud with a crowd of over 18,000 people!!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sharon, I could write about Betty every day. She is so beautiful. That would be fun to sing along to Sweet Caroline! Love it.

      Delete
  10. Good to see your sharing portion again. I can't get on very often, but always want to see you! Thank you much!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a sweet story! You are so incredibly kind and sweet, dear friend. I am so thankful you take the time to see your friend and brighten her day so many times...and, thank you ever so much for brightening mine more times than I can mention. :) God bless you abundantly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's mutual, Cheryl, I thank God for you! Bless you.

      Delete
  12. Great fun, Mary! Love Neil Diamond, too. No idea he was 75...🤔 65, maybe. Lol. Bless you and Betty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was surprised too, Deidre! He's a young 75. Imagine bringing so much joy to so many people like he does!

      Delete
  13. It is indeed the little things every day that brings huge impact to our lives. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh my word, I love this so very much. And, I'm a Neil fan also - my hubs and I still dance to "September Morn" in the kitchen!!! What a blessed gift to read this morning. #55 @ Winter's linkup.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How wonderful! Keep dancing, Susan. Bless you.

      Delete
  15. It's great to hear about a woman who continues to find joy in life even when her health is declining. Working in a pharmacy, I see far too many people who let life and physical ailments get them down and grumpy. It's those few joyful people that make a gloomy day just a little bit brighter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A good thought, Liz. Yes, old people don't get crabby over night. Best to learn a good attitude when we're younger because life happens, pain comes and wisdom teaches us how to be graceful - if we'll listen!

      Delete
  16. I appreciate you sharing the wisdom you find in life with us. It really is the small things that mean the most. You are the heart and hands of our Savior. Thanks for the example.

    "Play it now, play it now, play it now, my baby..." That's song's gonna be stuck in my head all day. And yes, guys like Neil too... even Song Sung Blue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the serenade, brother. Song Sung Blue...haven't thought about that one in a while. I always appreciate your wise words as well!

      Delete
  17. Such a reminder of how much a little given to another can reap such great rewards. I got to do that while we were in Kentucky with a Betty too in a nursing home, 93. She had come to a Wise Hearted Women Sunday school class for year that I taught. I often told her, you should be teaching this class, she dripped with wisdom. Uncertainly she would know me it thrilled my heart to her say, oh there is my other Betty. God knows I needed that little encouragement since this frail women in the bed had prayed for years for my Mom. I got to pray for her before we left, I know she is a delight to all the nurses with her Godly perspective on life even in a nursing home bed she will probably never get out of. It takes so little time to encourage someone. We can only hope someone comes to our little room when our times comes and prays and sings to us. Blessing my blog friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We must conclude that Bettys are wise women! May we women who believe remain fixed on Jesus until we take our last breath.

      Delete
  18. Your sweet card will brighten Betty's day even more. Hand written cards and notes are a treasure to keep and enjoy later as well. What a blessing you are to visit her and she blesses you with her humor. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A treasure indeed! I have saved every hand made greeting card made just for me. They make one feel special just as you say.

      Delete
  19. Betty sounds like a pistol! That card is adorable and I know Betty will get a kick out of it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She loves the card! She makes me laugh so much!

      Delete
  20. What a sweet post! I enjoyed every word, and I am also a lover of Neil Diamond. Great voice and great songs. Thanks for making me smile today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like my page turned into a Neil Diamond fan club!! I am so glad you are smiling, Gayle.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Because He Lives, I Can Move

I’m currently in one of those places where you lay out all the options and then you make the best decision. It seems, however, like none of the choices are fair or attractive. I know God will help me in my situation because I desire His guidance. I’m clinging to His Word which promises that ALL things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28. I heard a great teaching this week about seeking God’s will and all the freedom that surrender brings. We can know that God is bringing about a victory if we trust Him with each and every decision. The speaker illustrated his point with a famous painting. The painting depicts a look of despair on the chess player’s face. He’s playing Satan and his soul is at stake. It looks like Satan is winning. Checkmate! When Paul Morphy saw this painting back in the 1800’s, he set up a chess board and aligned the pieces to reflect the painting. Being a world champion, he studied the board. His conclusi

Humor for the Bride and Groom

A young couple decided to wed.  As the big day approached, they grew apprehensive.  Each had a problem they had never before shared with anyone, not even each other. The Groom-to-be, overcoming his fear, decided to ask his father for advice.   "Father," he said, "I am deeply concerned about the success of my marriage."  His father replied, "Don't you love this girl?"   "Oh yes, very much," he said," but you see, I have very smelly feet, and I'm afraid that my fiancé will be put off by them."  "No problem," said dad, "all you have to do is wash your feet as often as possible, and always wear socks, even to bed."   Well, to him this seemed a workable solution. The bride-to-be, overcoming her fear, decided to take her problem up with her mom."  Mom," she said, "When I wake up in the morning my breath is truly awful."  "Honey," her mother consoled, "everyone has

A Veteran's Story

  I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk.   He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist.   He shouted and pointed to my car:   “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate?   I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench.   I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day.   The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband.   Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears.   My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years.   It is my way of listening to a veteran.   I enjoyed listening to Bill.   He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well.   Like when he talked about the sandwich lady.   “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street?”   I replied that I’ve order coffee once in that place with a turke