“God made everyone, even the stinkers.”

I promised I would continue to add to Notes from a 97-year-old, which features wisdom and takeaways from time spent with my mother, Gloria, so here is today’s installment.

My mom lives at a nursing home that welcomes all, but whose origins are of Jewish faith. The other day, she tried to bring the leftover cake from her birthday to the dining room to share with her tablemates and was told that since it was not Kosher, she could not bring it in to the space. She was encouraged to invite her friends to enjoy it with her in her room. One man in particular was quite indignant that she should have been more aware of his dietary restrictions.

“God made everyone, even the stinkers,” she said, pausing briefly, before continuing on to another subject.

My mother moved to the nursing home about two years ago, after a series of mini strokes and a fall, which significantly impacted her mobility and the level of one-on-one support she needs.

Mom did not go willingly or easily, and I was often on the receiving end of her frustration, until one day, Father Reilly, a local priest, happened to conduct an interfaith service in the auditorium. His blessing was all she needed to remind her what she has always held dear – she is a child of God, she is loved, and her purpose in life is to love others.

‘It’s going to be okay,” she told me.

While many struggle to find their reason for being, my mom’s view has always been clear. Her faith has sustained her through all of life’s challenges and continues to support her in this chapter of life.

“I’ve been so blessed. Both my brother and sister died much younger than me. I’m lucky. I can enjoy being outside when it’s warmer, but even now, when it’s cold, I can enjoy everything through the big windows here. The trees and some of the flowers are still in bloom. I don’t have to cook or clean. The food isn’t always great, but I have a good life.”

She readily shares her faith with everyone with whom she comes into contact through her compassion and kindness. She shows up. She always has, whether that was with me, as I sniffled over the phone as a sleep-deprived new mother living halfway across the country, or with my sister, as she navigated life as a too-young widow. Sometimes loving others was a bit harder, as with certain referees who called a play wrong at a grandchild’s ball game, or when discussing politics with one of my less liberal brothers, or when one of her aides used the phrase, “Jesus Christ” in frustration and she shared why that bothered her.

She lives as a Christian, at a Jewish nursing home, loving others. The simplicity of living the Golden Rule, treating others as she would like to be treated, is part of her DNA.

It’s something we can all strive for.