A friend sent this to me today, a wonderful uncredited prose poem which closely resembles Maya Angelou's quote on Goodreads but differs therefrom, as you will see, with the addition of a timeline of ages for each line. Will greatly miss Maya's presence among us, so I share these words of hers.
I've learned that
I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night."
Age 5
I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 7
I've learned that, when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they
are doing and wave back.
Age 9
I've learned that, just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes
me clean it up again.
Age 12
I've learned that, if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try
cheering someone else up.
Age 14
I've learned that, although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my
parents are strict with me.
Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of
advice.
Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great
pleasures.
Age 26
I've learned that, wherever I go,
the world's worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 29
I've learned that, if someone says something unkind about me, I must live
so that no one will believe it.
Age 30
I've learned that there are
people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
Age 42
I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a
little note.
Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his
or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47
I've learned that, no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48
I've learned that singing "Amazing
Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the
phone.
Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles a
rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 51
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine-cabinet
full of pills.
Age 52
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you
miss them terribly after they are gone from your life.
Age 53
I've learned that making a
living is not the same thing as making a life.
Age 58
I've learned that, if you want to do something positive for your
children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 64
I've learned that, if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of
others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness
will find you.
Age 65
I've learned that, whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually
make the right decision.
Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72
I've learned that, even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
Age 82
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch: holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly
pat on the back.
Age 90
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92
~~
And what I've learned is that you
should pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a
little something to make them smile.
"If your vocation
isn’t a vacation, then quit, leap, change careers."
Denise Barker, Author, Blogger, Copy Editor
Books that Build Character(s)
What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in
comparison to what lies inside of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson
When you give someone a book, you don’t give him just paper, ink, and
glue. You give him the possibility of a whole new life. Christopher
Morley
The best inheritance you can leave your kids is an example of how to live a
full and meaningful life. Dan Zadra
