Simple Strength: The Power of Resilience

Sometimes coeurage and strength come in the most unexpected places and from the most unassuming people. Two of the most coeurageous individuals that I have ever known were my elderly neighbors, Jo and Dick Beals.  They lived through the Great Depression and WWII which I’m sure contributed to their frugality and their ability to recycle anything. I never saw one brand new item in their home that I can recall. Their refrigerator was just like the one I remember when I was a child in the 60’s. Their attitude was, if it still works, why not use it! Jo had a giant compost pile for her vegetable garden long before it became popular for the environmentally minded to do so. She had an amazing “green thumb”.  I often think of her when I am working in my garden now. I wish she was still here to pull weeds with me and chat as we worked our way through the rows together. Yes, my heart aches as I remember both of them. They have been gone many years now but their influence lives on.

An underestimated quality of coeurage is the ability to be resilient. Jo and Dick showed unwavering resilience in the face of much adversity. No matter what happened in their lives, they always made the best of it without complaint. Early in their married life, Jo suffered a ruptured appendix and nearly died. The infection throughout her abdomen destroyed her ability to get pregnant and carry a child. When she and Dick realized that they could never have children of their own, they took on loving all the children in the neighborhood, including my own.  They were a tremendous influence on their lives in very simple ways. They always had an open door whenever the kids wanted to come over to visit. They would let the kids help feed the animals and play with all the kittens frolicking out in the chicken house. If they were hungry, Jo would typically offer a slice of buttered bread folded over into a sandwich or her famous fried corn meal mush. I know it sounds awful but it’s really delicious with maple syrup on top. I can still taste it and smell the wonderful aroma from her kitchen. No one makes fried mush like Jo.

Jo and Dick were members of what has been called the “Greatest Generation”. They are almost all gone now but their  coeurage and resilience remain in our memory as we ponder the example of loved ones who have passed on to the next life. There is great wisdom to be gained from those who have lived their lives to its fullest even when adversity could have made them bitter. I love listening to the stories of my elderly patients. It gives me a glimpse into the young souls still living in their frail bodies. Their eyes twinkle in the telling of their memoirs. If only I could take the time to ask more often and then truly listen. What gems of coeurage they have to share!

Tell me about someone you have known or admired in the “Greatest Generation” who made a significant impact in your life.

Top picture: Grandma Helen with Jo and Dick at Garrett’s 3rd birthday. Rozie is 5 yrs. old in this photo

Bottom picture: Dick and Garrett out in their yard.

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