A Bright Outlook – in Spite of it All

My Uncle John was a hard working handyman who could fix most anything and painted houses for a living. He and my Aunt Ada along with their daughter, Velma, lived very modestly in a small, neat home. They were perfectly content with their lives.

No matter what happened, Uncle John always saw the good. He always had a smile and encouragement for everyone.


At age 98, he was living by himself and getting along very well when he was involved in a car accident and lost a leg. He completely lost his independence and had to go to a nursing facility. He could no longer tinker around the house and help out his neighbors. He could no longer work in his vegetable garden. He was now confined to a very small room with a wheel chair to help him get around.

This just crushed me to see him – but it didn’t seem to bother Uncle John. He never complained. He accepted what had happened. And he even brought fun and laughter to the others in the nursing home. What inspiration that was for me to see him not only accept his new life but make others’ lives more enjoyable.

I want to be like him and not complain when I have adversity. I want to follow his example and make other people’s lives more enjoyable.

Jayne
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4 comments (Add your own)

1. Susan wrote:
Don't you just love people like that? Even at 98 this man's spirit kept people laughing. It's a blessing THAT he was like this, but now that his story is written, perhaps it can help "us regular people" to be more like him.

Thu, February 5, 2009 @ 9:05 AM

2. Kamie wrote:
It is amazing how his heart remained grateful and joy filled his life regardless of his circumstances. His light shined bright.

Thu, February 5, 2009 @ 8:56 PM

3. Mike wrote:
I had an uncle just like that. He was also my favorite.

Fri, February 6, 2009 @ 2:26 PM

4. June wrote:
This story really touched me. What a brighter world it would be if we could all be like "Uncle John"! This makes me want to be a light in other people's lives.

Tue, February 10, 2009 @ 9:24 AM

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