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 Want to Share Rose's Story With You

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.

I Want to Share Rose’s Story With YouThese 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?

  1. Don’t be afraid of change. Change can be awesome!
  2. You were born an original; don’t die a copy!
  3. Dare to be different. You don’t have to do what the masses are doing. Do your own thing!
  4. Only one life to live. Don’t live it with regrets of what you should’ve or could’ve done!
  5. Success doesn’t often come by following the masses!
  6. 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?  
Norma Bourque Niles