I had a history teacher in high school, Mrs. Pallor. She was quite a unique individual. She had such a love for history and geography that she took it for granted that it was every one’s first love. I remember she nearly had a heart attack when I didn't know the name of our own river that flowed a half mile from the school. I think her life consisted of going to school to teach and going to church on Sunday.

I heard that her husband died when she was very young and she lived alone. After retirement she met an elderly gentleman and married. They traveled the world, rode camels in India...walked on every continent. She really lived.

My sister Ruthie is a nurse and took care of Theo (AH, sorry: Mrs. Pallor!) She was so intelligent, even in her old age and even lying there dying with cancer. My sister would often complain about being busy, or dealing with problems, or not feeling well. Theo would always say, "OH Ruthie, you are just livin'. My sister told me that after Theo died and it has stuck with me ever since. I realize what a gift it is to be "just livin."

I was thinking about this again last night when my daughter Tammy came to pick up the girls. She's always in a hurry to get home to finish her work, to decorate the tree, to do the hundreds of things she does everyday. I realized that she never notices the minute she is in...or the minute that is passing by her. I thought again about Theo's words, and I told Tammy...just slow down girl, you're "just livin."

I've wasted so many minutes of my life, scurrying around and hurrying to get something accomplished before the next one. I don't slow down to enjoy many of them. I'm going to learn to do a lot more of "just livin."