Sams Custom Bookmark
Author: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2007
Sam had many bookmarks that he has collected over the years. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday, and a surprise birthday party was held for him.
What To Buy Him?
Needless to say, trying to figure out what to buy Sam was a challenge as he desired very little, and he needed nothing. He loved to read, and had a huge collection of books. But, to buy him a book seemed impossible, as I did not know which books he had. So, when I found a custom bookmark made by a local craftsperson, I thought it was perfect.
The Perfect Gift and Saying
The custom bookmark had the following saying written on it:
“For to live is to function. That is all there is in living.”Sam opened my present and smiled. “Where did you get this?” he asked. I told him about the craftsperson that made bookmarks.
Sam Knew The Saying
He went on to tell me that this saying was written by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.. He told me that it was part of the words spoken by Mr. Holmes when he turned ninety. He then went and got a newspaper clipping that had Mr. Holmes words written at ninety:
The riders in a race do not stop short when they reach the goal. There is a little finishing canter before coming to a standstill. There is time to hear the kind voice of friends and to say to one’s self: ‘The work is done” But just as one says that, the answer comes: “The race is over, but the work never is done while the power to work remains”‘ “The canter that brings you to a standstill need not be only coming to rest. It cannot be, while you still live. For to live is to function. That is all there is in living.
I Was Amazed With Sam
At 75 years old he immediately recognized the author of the saying on the bookmark. And further more, I was amazed that he had a newspaper clipping with the words of Mr Holmes. Sam then told me he reads these inspirational words of wisdom by Mr. Holmes every year on his birthday. He said the words reminded him that no matter how old you are, there is a reason you are here. And, you need to have goals no matter what your age.
Never Stop Setting Goals – No Matter What Your Age
Smiling, as I left Sam’s party, I thought how true those words are. I thought of some people who were much younger than Sam but who accomplish so little. Here was Sam at 75 and still setting his goals, still aiming to improve himself and to help others!
Inspirational Quotes for Reflection:
“Our bodies become older, our faces wrinkle, our organs become sick, our souls become tired, but our spirits are alive.” Andrei G. Aleinikov, PH.D.
“No one can avoid aging, but aging productively is something else.” Katharine Graham
“Read books that will boost your moral and let you step on the positive side.” Ilene Prat
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