Feature Story
For John and Melva D. of The Overlook, gratitude is a way of life.
The couple, who have been married for 58 years, credits their parents
for setting the example of living life with gratitude. That example lives
on to this day in their three children and their grandchildren.
W
e’ve both been very fortunate to
be raised by loving parents that
were together until they died,” shared
Melva, who grew up on a dairy farm
in southeast Missouri and met John
while they were both students at the
University of Alabama. “I think there’s
a legacy of love there that we have
tried to carry on, which incorporates
thankfulness and a positive attitude.
It’s just a way of life.”
While they each have many reasons
to be thankful – their children and
grandchildren, their marriage and
their good health, for example – it
doesn’t stop there. They take the extra
measure of sharing that feeling of
gratitude with their loved ones and
neighbors with a positive attitude and
encouraging words.
Every morning, John makes the
journey downstairs to the dining
room to pick up breakfast for him
and his wife. He likes to take this
time as a moment of reflection and
set a positive tone for his day. “As
I’m walking by myself, almost
every moment I’ll say, ‘What am I
thankful for?’ because I think it’s very
important to remind yourself of those
things,” shared John.
When he makes it to the dining
room, John takes that sentiment even
further and engages in small talk
with his neighbors. He believes this
one small gesture can leave a lasting
impression. “I think it’s very important
to help other people be friendly and be
positive, because if you can help them
you’ve encouraged a life for that day.
You can be the one,” said John.
“I think there’s a legacy
of love there that we
have tried to carry on,
which incorporates
thankfulness and a
positive attitude. It’s
just a way of life.”
Lifetime Living Magazine
9