Technicolor

In memory of Hazel Rose

I live my life in technicolor

As vivid as vivid can be

I invite you to come, join in on the fun, and be fun-loving with me

I’ve wrapped my arms around the neck of a dog, pet a kitten, and kissed a toad

I’ve run barefoot through the grass, run the fifty-yard dash, and eased on down the road

Few regrets do I have, too few to mention, my attitude remains intact

My thoughts are light, the future is bright

Life’s worth living...

And that’s a fact!

102-year-old Hazel Rose, a resident of hospice and in the final weeks of her life, shared with me a lesson about attitude, I will not soon forget.

Hazel was a lively spirit! Her smile was beautiful and her laughter infectious. Even in her weakened state, it was apparent that she got a kick out of life!

One warm and sunny autumn day in October, I decided to head out to visit with Hazel. I took her a small black coffee, a warm muffin, and one of Jack Canfield’s Chicken Soup for the Soul...books. I thought she would enjoy my reading it to her for a bit. As I entered the room, Hazel shouted, “Hey! Birdie, throw open those curtains for me! It’s time to let in the sunshine!” I replied, “Of course, Hazel Rose, on my way.”

As I walked across the room, Hazel reached for my hand and invited me to “sit down for a chat.” I sensed she wished to share some thoughts with me about her life. And I was correct in my assessment. So, I placed the cup of coffee, the muffin, and the book on her bedside table, and gently took her hand.

My lovely fragile friend began with this statement, “I live my life in technicolor,” and proceeded to tell me several stories about her life, spanning over 100 years. Hazel elaborated on the things she had appreciated doing, the places she enjoyed visiting, and the many life experiences she had so treasured. She thanked me for my listening ear and conveyed just how much she had looked forward to our time together. I replied, “I thoroughly enjoy our time together, too” and thanked her for sharing her “glass half full” stories with me.

Upon my departure, Hazel asked a favor of me. She requested that I “promise to do it” before knowing what I was getting myself into, I agreed. She then declared, “when my family comes to see me here...they keep their heads down, they fight back the tears and cry over me when they think that I am sleeping. They have a hard time communicating with me. Sometimes, I feel invisible. But, I am the same person! I am a mother, the woman who raised them, I am a grandmother of nine. I am sick and dying yes, but I am the same person who has run barefoot through the grass and done the fifty-yard dash, in order to keep up with them. From here on out, I want them to see me for who I am. I'm not gone yet. My thoughts are light and I want to keep it that way.” She smiled a child-like smile and then asked, “will you talk to them?”

“How could I possibly say no to you, Hazel?” I replied. “I will need to think about my approach, but I will do my best to convey your thoughts.” Over the course of the next couple of days, I reflected on all that Hazel had expressed to me. I decided to compose a little something to represent her wishes without inserting myself into their family dynamics.

I fulfilled my promise to Hazel and delivered the poem entitled, “Technicolor” to her family. They understood the purpose and meaning behind it. Hazel read it, too. This time, the tears that fell, were those of happiness.

Life’s worth living and that’s a fact!