How is this for a daily routine? Each morning begins with a swim at 7am. Then she cooks breakfast for her gardener before they tour the grounds* in her golf buggy to plan what needs doing next. Not bad for a lady who turned 99 today is it? And she is already working on her guest list for her 100th Birthday! Not only that, but she still averages 10 official engagements a week, sometimes 3 in the one day.
She says, “ I know that my time must be running out – but I am determined not to waste a minute of it”. Next week the Royal Children’s Hospital will honour this amazing lady who began working with Sick Children and the hospital in 1933, (5 years after she started her garden).
She says, “ Looking out for other people is the most important thing in life – and the most rewarding.” “ Happiness, I think, lies in thought for other people and trying to help them. I’m glad to say the next generation (of her family) seems to be keeping that tradition on.” Now with her financial backing she has been able to support many different organizations including artists and even the Victorian Tapestry Workshop, but it is her involvement with people that attracts me.
Sure none of us are likely to have access to the Murdoch Millions, but all of us do have access to people in need, that we too can treat as valued individuals. Doesn’t matter how poor or rich we are! How many high society people do we ever hear of that will cook breakfast for their gardener? Likewise I’m sure many of us know many organizations around us in need of help or volunteers. The thing is not really what we do but how we treat all people.
I heard just recently of one so called socialite who wouldn’t even let a tradesman coming to give a quote, even enter by the front door but that he was requested to go around to the back door. (He refused by the way. And no, he didn’t get the job!)
Now I will admit right here that not too many of us are likely to be in Dame Elisabeth’s position, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from her selfless life and ministry to others less fortunate than us, and that we too can’t ‘show’ that example on to the next Generations too!
So what about us? Our time too is running out. Are we going to waste it on things or in finding true happiness in helping others who just need a little lift up and respect? So what are you going to do with the rest of your life? It doesn’t matter what age we are or whether we help an official organization or just our next door neighbours, but all of us can help one another, and by so doing find true happiness in helping others like Dame Elisabeth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dame Elisabeth.
1 comment:
Hi Friends of Walter,
As one who lives just around the corner from Cruden Farm in Langwarrin I felt I had to pick up one minor typo. I know Walter got it right later in the line but in case someone isn't sure Dame Elisabeth lives at CRUDEN FARM.
Do go to the event he lists there; it is a worthwhile trip down the Frankston Freeway - turn left onto Cranbourne Road and eventually right into Cruden Lane after you cross McLelland Drive. You will have members of the Frankston SES unit directing traffic inside the farm. I cannot be there in orange overalls as I have other commitments.
Ian Cayzer (Rev)
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