Through all the ages comes wisdom

THE FOLLOWING essay is titled “Wisdom of Ages” and was shared with me 25 years ago by Susan Beihoff. She got it from her brother-in-law, David Beihoff, who was the sheriff in Milwaukee. See how many of these bits of wisdom you have learned during your lifetime.

Age 5: I’ve learned that you can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Age 6: I’ve learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night.”

Age 7: I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.

Age 9: I’ve learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.

Age 12: I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.

Age 13: I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.

Age 15: I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

Age 24: I’ve learned that brushing my child’s hair is one of life’s great pleasures.

Age 25: I’ve learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.Age 29: I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

Age 35: I’ve learned that life is about opportunities, and you will find that there is very little traffic when you go the extra mile.

Age 39: I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just didn’t know how to show it.

Age 41: I’ve learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little card.

Age 44: I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others.

Age 45: I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.

Age 46: I’ve learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours.

Age 49: I’ve learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.

Age 50: I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.

Age 52: I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.

Age 55: I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

Age 58: I’ve learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.

Age 59: I’ve learned that character really does matter.

Age 61: I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

Age 62: I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

Age 64: I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

Age 65: I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.

Age 66: I’ve learned that everyone can use a prayer, a hug or a pat on the back.

Age 72: I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth. I’ve seen several miracles.

Age 73: I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

Age 82: I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch—holding hands, a warm hug or just a friendly word.

Age 85: I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Age 92: Please pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

Note: A portion of this essay comes from the poem “I’ve Learned” by Maya Angelou.