Ruby H.P. -age 67 - Kathleen Cosgrove

Through faith, wisdom, and sage advice, I am learning to be an elder.
My mother once said, “when you turn 40, you’ll actually know something.”
What she failed to tell me was that I’d be more comfortable saying, “I
don’t know.” It’s amazing how little I thought about mortality when I was
a younger woman. Perhaps it was the business of life, marriage, childrearing,
working and participating in the community with family and friends. My
mother always offered good advice that I have tucked in my heart for
use, “as needed.”
Here’s a short list from my treasure trove of useful counsel that has held
me up when the world tried it’s best to drag me down.
Always trust God.
Get counsel from trusted elders.
Believe in your worth to self and others.
True love must have friendship to endure.
Give generously.
Help is not always financial.
Friends are not always your friends.
You will have heartbreak, but you will heal.
Care for yourself so that you can care for others.
The children are all grown-up, I am semi-retired, many friends and family
members have passed away and after decades of leading in family,
community, and work; today I’m learning to be an elder by moving to the
rear in formation like traveling geese, encouraging the next generation
to lead us forward. Cheering them on is both extremely difficult and
immensely rewarding.
Time and the opportunity to share with the younger generation passes by
so quickly. My parents and many other elders planted in my heart the
seeds of faith and wisdom wrapped in love and sage advice. I am fortunate
to have had and to still have elders that light my path and I choose to
pay it forward.