Austrian author Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach said it best: “In youth we learn; in age we understand.”
If you’re fortunate, like we are, to spend time with senior loved ones, you know what a treasure their hard-won wisdom is to receive.
We feel selfish keeping it all to ourselves, so this year we asked a handful of our community residents if we could share their answer to this question: “What are your words of wisdom going into 2023”?
Some you’ll want to tuck away to remember, some will make you laugh out loud, and they’ll all remind you of the preciousness of life as you step into this new year. We hope you love these pearls of wisdom as much as we do.
Let’s dive in.
“It’s never too late to start something over.”
—Donna Darby, Benton House of Oakleaf: Jacksonville, FL
“Be grateful to see a new day and love your family. Just be happy, life is too short.”
—Margaret Brown, Benton House of Staley Hills: Kansas City, MO
“Be mindful of what you say! Words can be hurtful if you are not careful how you use them.”
—Nick Calve, Benton House of Aiken, Aiken, SC
“Let it all hang out!”
– Emery “Hink” Hinkhouse (age 105), Benton House of Olathe, KS
“Take it easy a bit, and don’t let the little things become big things. Be more flexible.”
– Sharon Martin, Benton House of Olathe, KS
“To love everyone and to be happy and thankful for the blessing of life.”
—Shirley Dysert, Benton House of Lenexa, KS
“Stay busy and friendly, it helps with loneliness.”
—Peggy Perdue, Benton House of Grayson, Grayson, GA
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
—Jimmie Mae Sosebee
“Get close to the Creator in this coming year. Emulate love to everyone. If you do this, you will have a successful 2023.”
—Anonymous, Benton House of Florence, Florence, SC
“Treat everyone with kindness and respect others.”
—Margaret Weigler, Benton House of Bluffton, Bluffton, SC
“Prayers for a happy and peaceful world as we enter into the new year.”
—Ms. Margaret Lumpkin, Benton House of Woodstock, Woodstock, GA
“May all the tears of 2022 water the seeds you are planting in 2023.”
—Clarice Dunlop, Benton House of Decatur, Decatur, GA, who follows this with her favorite quote:
“We are all faced with a service of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”
—-Chuck Swindoll
“Pray our country will change and be less selfish.”
—-Joe Dowling (91), Benton House of Augusta, Augusta, GA
“Be resilient, and don’t get upset with the things you can’t control. Stay close to your loved ones!”
—-Del Black, Benton House Tiffany Springs, Kansas City, MO
“Behave yourself and take care. Mind all your P’s and Q’s.”
—Carol French-Ward, Benton House of Blue Springs, Blue Springs, MO
“Have a ball.”
—A special message from Buddy (Carol French-Ward’s dog)
“Life is about adjustments. You either learn to adjust or you lament.”
—Andy Abate, Benton House of St. Johns, St. Augustine, FL
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5&6.”
—Marilynn Moores, Benton House of St. Johns, St. Augustine, FL
“When you have God in your heart, tell people about it. So, wherever you go, sprinkle love and goodness everywhere.”
—-Helen Howington, Benton House of Port Orange, Port Orange, FL
“Be grateful and thankful for everything we have. Also, be kind and nice to everyone around us.”
—-Barbara Lekorenon, The Garden House, Anderson, SC
“I hope that everyone can become closer to Christ.”
—Mary Jo Slice
“Bloom where you are planted.”
—Mary Taylor, Benton House of Raymore, MO
“Keep a smile on your face always and the world will smile with you.”
—Joan Laurenzo, Benton House of Oviedo, Oviedo, FL
“Be sure and talk to Jesus every day and listen to what he tells you back.”
—Bettye Cochran, Benton Village of Stockbridge, Stockbridge, GA
“Be good to each other. Everyone should try to get along and have peace in the world.”
—Marjorie Gilmer, Benton House of Douglasville, Douglasville, GA
Words of Wisdom from Our Senior Living Residents
We hope you enjoyed these pocket-sized pearls of wisdom from our Benton House community.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful new year.
If you could use support in another way with your senior loved one this holiday season, we’d love to help. Feel free to call us at 855-461-2552, or send us a message, anytime.
