What I Really Know About Eternal Youth: My Husband George

People who meet my husband, George Gwin, think he’s at least 20 years younger than he is. He’s 19 years my senior, and I tell him I want to be like him when I grow up.

He runs circles around me from early morning until late at night, six days a week. I’ve watched and listened to him for 28 years, and would like to share what I’ve learned about George’s secrets to eternal youth.

George starts his morning with the Lord. He opens up his Bible, reads awhile, letting the Lord speak to him. Then, George speaks to the Lord, thanking Him for meeting all his needs, praying for our family, our nation and its leaders, and our troops.

He never allows himself to get run down, taking a 5- or 10-minute nap here and there. If something needs to be done, he doesn’t waste time complaining. He does it. Once, I asked George how he keeps such a good attitude when inconvenienced, and he told me, “It needs done, and I can do it, so I just do it.” I marvel at the patience and forbearance of this man.

I have yet to see George hold a grudge or let the sun go down on his wrath—not once—in 28 years of marriage. He’s quick to forgive, slow to anger, and doesn’t expect much of others beyond their capabilities. When asked about this, he’ll tell you, “I can’t get too much from myself when I want to. How can I expect it from anyone else?”

Consistently, George keeps fair thoughts of others and doesn’t tolerate backstabbing. Even if he agrees with the negative remark, he walks away, or just doesn’t engage in the conversation. I love this about him.

George’s eyesight is dimming a bit, and his hearing is getting more selective. His beautiful silver hair is thinning, and his height is lessening some. But I would much rather have a man who’s got it all together on the inside than to have 10 originally beautiful specimens who, when things begin falling out, spreading out, and going out, lose all they ever had.

The AARP Bulletin’s What I Really Know column comes from our readers. Each month we solicit short personal essays on a selected topic and post some of our favorites in print and online. Dawn Gwin is a reader from Palestine, Texas.