I've learned
that I like my teacher
because she cries
when we sing "Silent Night".
- Age 6
I've learned
that you can't
hide a piece of broccoli
in a glass of milk.
- 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 13
I've learned
that if you want to cheer yourself up,
you should try
cheering someone else up.
- Age 14
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 26
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 39
I've learned
that there are people
who love you dearly
but just don'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 46
I've learned
that children and grandparents
are natural allies.
- Age 47
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 keeping a vegetable garden
is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
- Age 52
I've learned
that regardless
of your relationship with your parents,
you miss them terribly
after they die.
- Age 53
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 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 catchers 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.
- Age 72
I've learned
that it pays to believe in miracles.
And to tell the truth,
I've seen several.
- 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 pat on the back.
- Age 85
I've learned
that I still have a lot to learn.
- Age 92