Random Thoughts- "Meeting Herb..."

The other day, an elderly man made his way slowly into our building on Ventura Blvd. As he carefully negotiated the slate staircase from the patio down into the lobby, I took a moment to meet him at the stairs. So as not to embarass him, I simply greeted him by commenting on the gorgeous California weather, yet I was prepared to assist him if he stumbled. Actually, he was quite nimble on his feet, although he did use a walking cane. He greeted me back and seemed to be in quite the chipper mood. We walked slowly through the lobby, stopping every few feet as he turned to face me. He introduced himslef as "Herb" and he was in the building to meet with his broker. He had just celebrated his 92nd birthday, which belied his 75-yr.old appearance. Clear-eyed and sharp-minded, Herb began telling me a shorter version of his life-to-date story. He spoke fondly of growing up in Bronx, New York, after his family immigrated from overseas. He joked about voting for FDR, against his parent's wishes, whe he was old enough to cast his first ballot. He taught me a bit of history when he told me about a ship of Jews escaping Europe during the very beginning of what was to become WWII that was prevented from docking in a NY port by FDR (leading to the anger from his parents). Herb reminisced about migrating across the US to California, buying his first house in Hollywood for $4500, working various jobs including shipbuilding in San Pedro, Naval administration work, and even working in some of the Hollywood studios. I felt myself in his mind's eye, looking out as one would look out through a windshield, following his every step. California in 1940- wow! Then to stay and watch it grow from orange and avocado groves to the concrete jungle it has become. Simply amazing. Clearly, Herb had had a rich life and nowadays enjoys the simple things such as his upcoming dinner with his daughter and her family.Today I came across this article commenting on the fact that with our parents living longer, more and more of us are taking care of them at home. The article encouraged us to listen and learn from this generation before they disappear. These were the top 5 "life lessons" shared among this group of octogenerians and above: 1) The simple things matter most.2) Humor and time cure most pains.3) There's more satisfaction in giving than getting. Service to others is the most satisfying activity.4) Choose your spouse carefully. It will be your most important decision.5) Work hard and in a field or role that you enjoy.I know Herb lives by these five rules. It was obvious as we spoke. I know for a fact he enjoys the simple things, because he shared this bit of good news with me: still driving at his advanced age, Herb had just received his new driver's license- renewed for another 5 years! Herb declared "The State just made it official. Looks like I've got another 5 to go!"Meeting Herb was a half hour of time that I will never forget. I only hope I see him again during the next five years...