How to live long - Young at heart - a short story

Few months back we met an old man when attending some programme. He was very active roaming here and there , chatting with people , guiding them. We came to know from someone in the group that this old man is 98 years old. But he did not look that old and seemed to be around 60 years from outlook. In the same program there were few people of aged and 40 years who used to prattle about getting tired working around. This old man used to laugh at them and used to make fun of them how weak they are.

The old man's grandson met us and informed - "Sir , my grandfather last week celebrated his 98th birthday . Do you know how grand it was ? He took photos , Videos etc . Not even young children celebrate like that. Usually people who get old don't celebrate their birthday nowadays, we were curious to talk to this old man and met him and asked casually "Grandpa , you are going to hit century. Is-int it?" . The old man replied laughing - "100 years , yes definitely - there are only 2 years left" and patted hard on our back. By the time we relax from is pat he again said - "What is 100 after reaching 98 itself ?" and patted hard again. His pat had the effect which a 25 year old young person would had. We curiously asked , "Grandpa , we too want to live for 100 years - what should we do?". The old person replied - "Its very easy , first you live for 99 years , the 100th year comes by itself" . We  were surprised by the thoughts and enthusiasm this old man showed. 

While this conversation went on , one young person who seemed to be sad sat with us . The old man asked - "What happened , why are you so sad?" . The young man said "Grandpa , today is not a good day for me - whatever I do everything is failing ?". The old person consoled him saying slowly - "Fool , how can a day be bad ? Your mind would have been bad. Every day is a miracle. If I had not lived that day , it would have not existed for me. That is why a day which exists if far better from a day which does not exists. Correct your mind. If you have failed , lost something - don't worry , work again on it with enthusiasm. Then that day becomes a good day for you." 

We come across one set of - people when getting old think life is a heavy weight for them to carry further. The other set like this old man who lives every day with the same enthusiasm thinking that its God's miraculous gift. From this short story we understand , everything is inside our mind and heart. Its up to us to choose the right set.

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