Life Lessons From A Newspaper Clipping On The Fridge
Start writing a post
Relationships

Life Lessons, From The Newspaper Clipping On My Grandma's Refrigerator

"Three things you should never lose: hope, peace, honesty."

1589
Life Lessons, From The Newspaper Clipping On My Grandma's Refrigerator
Katherine Yochum

It's odd, but I distinctly remember a newspaper clipping that I first saw as a little girl. Yellowed, slightly crumpled, but still intact, it was stuck to the fridge in my grandma's house with a small, plain magnet. Every time I would visit with my family it would be there, slightly at an angle, just a square of writing, cut out and memorialized years ago.

During the long years that clipping was held up on the fridge, things all around it changed. Children grew up, parents grew old, families moved, multiple times and to different states even. That clipping was always there. Now, just having finished my freshman year of college, it's wording is old, but its lessons ring true.

It reads:

"THREE THINGS IN LIFE THAT ONCE GONE, NEVER COME BACK:
Time, Words, Opportunities

THREE THINGS THAT CAN DESTROY A PERSON:
Anger, Pride, Unforgiveness

THREE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER LOSE:
Hope, Peace, Honesty

THREE THINGS THAT ARE MOST VALUABLE:
Love, Kindness, Family and Friends

THREE THINGS THAT ARE NEVER CERTAIN:
Fortune, Success, Dreams

THREE THINGS THAT MAKE A PERSON:
Commitment, Sincerity, Hard Work"

I don't have the slightest idea as to how old that newspaper clipping is, but I do know that if its words struck enough of a chord with my grandmother, one of the wisest women I have ever known, then they must be of importance.

As time has passed, every time I read it, the words seemed to become truer. I know now that time flies, and opportunities are there to be taken. I know now that anger, pride, and being unforgiving are some of the most harmful things a person can hold on to. I know now that one should never lose hope, that peace is essential, and that honesty is humility. I know now that love should be given, kindness should be spread, and family and friends make life full of life.

Recently, my mom and I paid a visit to my grandma's house, where she raised my mother and her siblings. My mom said I could have the clipping, and as I took it down from its place of honor on the white refrigerator door and held it in my hands, I couldn't help but think about what the words truly meant, and how as I had gotten older, they made more and more sense. Life lessons don't always come from a book of poetry or a social media post, or a thought-provoking quote on a mural. Sometimes, some of the best pieces of advice have always been there, right under our noses. Wisdom from an elderly relative, or a life lesson from a parent. Or even a piece of a newspaper, decades old and read hundreds of times over the years, but only sinking in when you have finally understood their meaning.

The clipping sits on my desk, its author still unknown and its surrounding newspaper is long gone. Its words, however, are long-lasting and full of truth.

"The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one's life."
- C.S. Lewis
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51253
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32865
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955925
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180903
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments