Gratitude is a powerful emotion that transcends age and activity, and for seniors, it can be a profound source of joy and appreciation. It has a way of putting things into perspective and helps us put the good in our lives into focus. Being appreciative- of even the smallest of things in life can be a source of joy.
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and active member of the German resistance against the Nazi regime during world war II.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Albert Schweitzer
Alsatian-German theologian, philosopher, organist, and physician
Lou Gehrig
Legendary baseball player for the New York Yankees
Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I’m lucky.
When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift—that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies—that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles against her own daughter—that’s something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body—it’s a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed—that’s the finest I know.
This speech, given as Gehrig faced a diagnosis of ALS, demonstrated his humility, courage, and grace, leaving an enduring legacy.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and playing softball reminds us to be grateful for every opportunity to step on the field, no matter the outcome.
Anonymous
We all need to recognize sources of joy that bring gratitude into our lives. Gratitude affirms life’s blessings; a space where true appreciation is found. As we live our retired lives, we can continue to find the beauty of life and the countless reasons to be grateful. For senior league softball players; every hit, every catch, and every game are a cherished chapter in each player’s story; a story marked by the gratitude to play the game they love.
Softball has given me so much in life. I love the sport, and I would not be who I am today without it.
Cat Osterman
Cat Osterman is a retired Olympian Gold Medalist from America who pitched on the women’s national softball team. Osterman was named the No. 3 Greatest College Softball Player and the No. 1 pitcher in NCAA history. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, she helped Team U.S.A. win a silver medal.
What are your stories of gratitude?
What simple joys make you grateful and appreciative?
Where can you find more experiences of joy that help you celebrate your retired life?
“Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.“
Yogi Berra
American professional baseball player, manager, and coach
