I Want to Share Rose’s Story With You
Rose dropped out of school after fifth grade, married young and had two children. She became a single mother shortly after the birth of her second child.

I met Rose one day, coming out the door of college. Rose’s smile was brighter than the sun.
She looked at me and said, ‘Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?’
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, ‘Of course you may!’ And she gave me a giant squeeze..
‘Why Are You In College At Such A Young, Innocent Age?’ I asked.
‘I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!’ she told me.
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.
We became instant friends. Every day for the next 3 months, we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this ‘time machine’ as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she revelled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium.
She said, ‘Let me tell you what I know.’ She cleared her throat and began.
‘We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only 4 secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.”
“WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE WALKING AROUND WHO ARE DEAD AND DON’T EVEN KNOW IT.“
“There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.’
At the year’s end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those months ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.
Over 2000 college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROSE…
If you are ready, you’ll make a change.
If you’re not, you’ll make an excuse.
What An Awesome Email I Received First Thing This Morning!
This is a message was so worth sharing that I gave it a special place on my blog.
I work online with over 2000 different business men & women who have chosen to follow their dreams. Some are looking for financial freedom, others desire time freedom. Others want to work from home so they can be Stay-at-home Moms and be with their children. For a few, it’s being able to make an impact and a difference in this world, or what they consider to be of value. The common thread is being to live their life as they choose to.
These people decided they were not willing to trade time for money at a regular 40 hour job. They had different goals so they reached for their dreams! The flexibility of working from home affords them the time to reach out & touch hurting people, spend time with their aging parents, etc… All have different motivation and goals.
The experience of working with these people has shown me something very valuable. These are some of the most upbeat, motivated, positive, encouraging, inspirational people ever. They decided it was not too late to reach for their sky – and brought on huge changes. Out of the comfort of their known world, they took a chance and became uncomfortable. They, like Rose (wink!) decided not to die with regrets and opted to go with what they believed in. What a blessing these people are in my life!!
When you begin walking an unknown path, you learn to walk IN faith that you will make it. Every step is NOT defined – furthermore, the next step is very often just revealed as you take the next one. But guess what: I have discovered that when you get out of your comfort zone, EXCITING things begin to happen! Woohoo!
The old cliché, ‘Find something you have a passion for and you will never work another day in your life’ is so true. Kathy Lee Gifford shares it this way, the way her father taught her: ‘Find a way to get yourself paid doing what you love to do the most and you will never work another day in your life.’ Deep truths contained here!
What Do I Take From Rose’s Story?
- Don’t be afraid of change. Change can be awesome!
- You were born an original; don’t die a copy!
- Dare to be different. You don’t have to do what the masses are doing. Do your own thing!
- Only one life to live. Don’t live it with regrets of what you should’ve or could’ve done!
- Success doesn’t often come by following the masses!
- Get out of your comfort zone and follow the narrow path that leads to an exciting life!
Last, But Not Least – Don’t Throw Away Old People.
They have so much knowledge, wisdom, strength and courage – gained through years of hard work, rough experience and tough times. No book, professor, or other can teach that in class!!!
Now, I Challenge YOU to Go Live Your Dreams!
If you are already doing it, great! If not… maybe its time to make that change!!!
Life Is Too Short Not To.
- What dream do you think is impossible?
- What have you been told you could not achieve?
- Would you like to make the dream inside you a reality?

Hello Norma,
I am glad to read this article, the story from the life of “Rose”. The author met Rose one day and walked into the student union building to share a chocolate milkshake. This is how the author befriended Rose. And they often rode together. I like the story a lot. :) Have a great day!!!
Happy New Year 2020!!!
–Lily
What a beautiful post about Rosie! It was extremly inspiring. thank you for than. sometimes we just need to hear great stories about people like Rosie who can change your life. I hope one day I can do that for someone else. Thank you again and I look forward to reading more in your blog.
xo
~Kris
@creativeinker.net
What a wonderful story Norma, thanks for sharing! I see this a lot unfortunately, people who are just trying to get through the day rather than get everything they can from the day. Your article is a great reminder of how much life has to offer if you choose to take advantage of it.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Jennifer. Rose’s story is pretty powerful, isn’t it? Glad you liked it! :)
Love the “take aways”!! And especially love “don’t be afraid of change”! I have embraced some mighty big change in recent years and I have no regrets!
Fear is the total opposite of faith… I know Carl – You are jumping all over the place! Woohoo! Your life is getting more and more excited. Woohoo! Living the dream… :)
It really is sad for so many to get to a certain age and regret not stepping up earlier. I have some of those regrets already but hope I don’t have any more! Rose’s story is one of power and significance. Thanks for sharing.
Great lesson to be learned from Rose’s story. So grateful to have that insight. x0x Blessings!
I love your lessons learned from Rose. The poem. “The Road Less Traveled,” is one of my favorites; the lesson, as Rose seemed to know, is to take the path that is not yet trodden and discover life your way. I always think of it when I am at a crossroads….like, every day.
Thanks for introducing me to that poem, Rhonda. Love it! I will keep close to my heart for when I too, face more crossroads… x0x
Love this…including all the cute graphics. Great job!
Thank you, Sharon! x0x
Great post Norma and I love the new layout of your website! Very inspiring post. Thank you.
Thanks Anastasiya! I like it too, cleaner and love the colors. Does the heart good to make changes sometimes… :)
Norma, What an excellent post! I really love this saying :) “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing”
Absolutely, Anita. Age is just a number and we would do well to remember that. Life can be exciting at any age… :)
That is the most compelling article I have read in a long time…such a powerful message for all and a wonderful wake-up call to parents to understand the importance of encouraging their children do DREAM BIG! Thanks Norma, I always look forward to reading your work!
Isn’t it Denny? I really dislike when I hear someone say, “Stop dreaming, get your head out of the clouds.” We were meant to have dreams and visions. To live an exciting life! And it certainly does begin in childhood; children do dream but it’s usually snuffed out as they grow…
very inspiring! thanks for sharing this story! great job today!
Welcome Patricia. Thanks for the visit. x0x
What an inspiring story! I do agree with Rose – when you lose your dreams, you die. What a powerful statement! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this Norma!
Welcome Mandy. I’m glad that you appreciated the article. Rose’s story was very worth telling… x0x
This is great Norma! I love “If you are ready, you’ll make a change. If you are not, you’ll make an excuse…” So true!
For sure Lori. When someone talks to you about this, listen quietly. They will tell you exactly how they think…
Norma, yes, I loved the story. One big mark of accomplishment for me was to graduate as a “mature” older student from College. I did that with great grades and no job. But I was willing to change. Rose left a great legacy behind. Wow!
Thanks Carol. Woohoo for you, “mature” student! Thanks for sharing that… x0x
Wow, Norma, I have chills from reading this post…it so touched my heart! What a wonderful inspirational story about Rose and how she embraced life! Love it, thank you!!
Very welcome Sherie. Rose’s story needed to be shared again! Blessings… x0x
Thanks, Norma! Love the way you’ve shared Rose’s story! My favorite is ‘Only one life to live. Don’t live it with regrets of what you should’ve or could’ve done!’
Yes. The should’ve, could’ve, would’ve need to go. They always precede regrets… Thanks Alexandra. x0x