92-year-old woman leaves a voicemail for her best friend’s daughter. It’s one she’ll never delete.
In a world where familial bonds are often defined by blood, the story of 92-year-old Beverly Ooley and Lina Perez redefines what it means to be family. Beverly, having no children of her own, chose to pass down her cherished china set to Lina, the daughter of her best friend. This gesture transcends material value, embodying a deep connection forged through years of shared moments and mutual care. Beverly's voicemail, in which she offers the china to Lina, is a testament to the enduring power of chosen family, illustrating how love and legacy can be passed through the ties we choose to nurture.
The story unfolds with a vivid scene of a garden tea party, where Beverly, adorned in a new outfit and pearls, delights in the company of cherished friends. It’s a reminder that inclusion and small acts of thoughtfulness can significantly impact those who may not have traditional family support. Lina's commitment to honor Beverly’s gift by hosting her for a future tea party underscores the reciprocal nature of their relationship, highlighting the importance of community and belonging. This narrative is a gentle yet profound reminder of the human need for connection and the joy found in recognizing and honoring those bonds.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of maintaining meaningful connections and support systems, particularly for those without traditional family structures.
- The actions
- Beverly chose to pass down treasured possessions to a 'chosen' family member, while Lina and her mother actively include Beverly in their lives through visits and shared experiences.
- Evidence of progress
- Beverly's joy and appreciation for the tea party and her decision to pass on her cherished china demonstrate the depth of their bond and the positive impact of their relationship.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the value of nurturing relationships beyond blood ties, recognizing the importance of inclusion and mutual care in creating a supportive community.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 9
- Engagement
- 8
- Relationships
- 10
- Meaning
- 9
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Gratitude
Perez shared that knowing Beverly chose her for the china set meant more than she could put into words.
Love
The voicemail was described as the purest form of love, with the intention behind it bringing Perez to tears.
Kindness
Perez's mom visits Beverly frequently, bringing her home-cooked meals, embodying care and support.
Perspective
Perez appreciates Beverly’s openness in sharing stories of her life, from heartache to joy.
Try this today
Reflect on someone in your life who feels like 'chosen' family. Reach out to them with a small gesture of appreciation, whether it's a heartfelt message or planning a shared activity, to reinforce your bond and show them their importance in your life.