Our elders

I'm going to attempt this one more time. Last time I wrote this, it was magically erased by the evil boss. Playing with power switches is not okay.

Our elders. Not the ones at church, not the mormon missionaries, I'm talking about old people. It's unfortunate that they hardly recieve the respect they deserve these days. All of a sudden they're stuck in a world of technology and computers with everyone speeding right along while most of the older generation struggles just to stay afloat with all of the basics of technology. The younger generation is always in such a hurry with day to day things that we don't ever stop and try to take the time out to thank them for everything they've done for us and our country. We complain that they drive too slow and aren't quick enough to count out their money at the cash register. We're just to busy and too impatient to teach them what we know, when in fact all they want to do is teach us the things they know. With that said, here's a tribute to some really cool old people I've seen latley. Thanks for being so awesome!

Fancy Lady - While on my lunch break at Crossroads Mall, I saw the coolest little old lady checking out retro alternative CDs in the music store. She couldn't have been younger than 80. I was decending on the escalator when the first thing I saw out of the corner of my eye was a very large white hat. It covered most of her face, but underneath the brim I saw a glimpse of her face. It looked as if she had taken extra care to put on her makeup that day: bright red lipstick, dark blue eyeshadow, and just a touch of pink blush (or rouge as the elders call it). She was also wearing her best blazer and matching pants. Well, I don't know if it was her BEST, but it was a pretty fancy outfit. She also had on matching heels. HEELS, not old lady ugly shoes. She had really cute heels on for her day out at the mall. The best part happened just as I stepped off the escalator. I saw her pick up one of the CDs she was examining, and on her hands were the whitest of white gloves with the white lace trim. How awesome is that? Who wears gloves anymore except in the dead of winter? She obviously took a lot of pride in the way she looked and expressed herself very well while doing it. I applaude you fancy lady, you just made my day!

The Runner - Every morning on my way to work I see her. She starts out as a small spec on the horizon until I eventually catch up to her in my car. She moves very slow but steady in her running attire. She runs up and down the hills of Little Cottonwood Canyon every morning, so diligiently, it inspires me to go running. Then I come back to reality and decide that I'm just going to have to be shown up by a little old lady. Everyone in the canyon seems to know who she is. As people drive by, you'll see a friendly wave or honk once in a while. We all feel like we know her. It's as if she's telling us "If I can do it at 85, then certainly you can too." Way to go Runner, you ispire us all!

The Mom - How many of you would drive six hours just to wallpaper your daughter's house, then immediatley drive six hours back home? Not many. What about if you were 79 years old, factor that into the equation. My co-worker's mother has 10 children. Nope, not a typo ... she has TEN kids (this is Utah remember?). Her mom drove up to Salt Lake from St. George just to help wallpaper her bedroom for a few hours. While gardening she broke her arm. Being the stubborn and busy lady she is, she didn't visit a doctor for two weeks. After a cast was put on, she couldn't stand it anymore. Two weeks later she went back to her doctor and demanded the cast be taken off. He did, and her arm was healed. How's that for stubborn? She had her last child at 47 (all natural births) and still takes care of her 83 year old husband. "Mom," you've inspired me to be active in my old age. Never will I allow my age to hold me back!