Still warms the plates

My mum-in-law Joan is an inspiration, but no saint.

I met her when she was 90. She didn’t suffer fools then, and even less so at 104.

Last week, I shared a short story on LinkedIn about her stoicism during Melbourne’s long, winter lockdown. She must be one of the few people alive to have lived through two pandemics.

I thought her qualities of endurance, curiosity, acceptance and her zest for life might appeal to a few people.

It certainly unlocked something. A week later and my short post has had close to 4,000 views, 145 reactions and 34 comments.

What resonated?

“This made my day…we need more positive people like Joan!”

“Beautiful example of stoicism, acceptance and resilience.”

“How wonderful. This has made my day. Still warms the plates!”

“I just wish I can still contribute as much when I am at her age if I live that long!”

“Stories like Joan's make life real... too many miss these moments.”

“She does not let age define what she can and can’t do!”

So, I was a little chuffed and couldn’t wait to show Joan the post and these comments.

She was rather nonplussed.

She pointed out that she’d ‘already been on LinkedIn in America’ thanks to a post last year by my brother-in-law. She was more interested in talking about the books she’d read that week and what the library was going to deliver next.

It takes a lot to impress Joan. I don’t think it was humility. It just wasn’t news or of interest.

If you missed it, here’s the link.

I’d love to know what you think of Joan’s story but I won’t be sharing any more comments with her 😀

Image credit: Jacinta Cubis