Gladys Misiewicz, a 105 year old Villa Maria resident, shared some of her wisdom on what to be thankful for, with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Growing up during the Great Depression, Gladys is a living storybook of comparative eras of life. She is thankful for each new day as an opportunity to help others.
1. Each and Every Day
“Today is the most important day of your life, yesterday is gone.” Gladys stressed the importance of laughter and being thankful for the sun to even rise and set.
2. Freedom
The Stars and Stripes are important to Gladys. She says that every election is an opportunity to display our freedoms and rights.
3. Health
Mental and physical heath is sometimes taken for granted. After getting sick and miraculously recovering, she discusses the fact that we don’t truley appreciate our health until we get sick, or a loved one does.
4. Education
Gladys says, ”Reading makes you ask questions about the world.” She has exhausted the supply of books at the Stocking library and continues to stand by the fact that flipping the pages leads you to better places.
5. Friends and Family
As a child, her family got by during the Depression by coming together to get the work done. Gladys frequently states, “I love people!” Loved ones are always near and dear to our hearts, during Thanksgiving or any other time of the year.
6. Ambition
Anyone can reach their goal with a little bit of faith, trust, and pixie dust, but ambition and drive is the key to achieving potential. “Always look up, not down. Never give up, failures lead to accomplishment.” Everyone should be thankful for their personal drive.
7. The World Around Us
Age has taught Gladys, “There’s so many beautiful people out there, just keep your eyes open.” She thanks God for the blessings each day, for the beautiful creation we’re living in.
8. Heritage
Be proud of your roots. It may not define you, but it’s a puzzle piece in the big picture as Gladys reveals.
Gladys is enormously appreciative of all eight of these items and myriad of other day to day experiences. “That’s how I’m still active after over ten decades,” She affirms, “being thankful makes your heart young.” This Thanksgiving what are you thankful for?