I often say that I never, ever want to be old. For the most part, I stick to that proclamation.However, if I have to get old, I want to do it like my Great Grandma Belle, who lived in her own home with her birds and her dog, cooking giant meals for whomever happened to stop by that day, until she was 101. She had two freezers packed so full of delicious sweet breads and other goodies that if you didn't open the door just so, you were sure to cause a bread avalanche.
When she turned 100 in 2008, my family threw a giant party at my cousin's house, grandchildren flew in from all over the country, and it seemed like half the town stopped by. She even got a letter of congratulations from President Bush.
Although she celebrated birthday #102 from a care facility last month, she was no less of a spitfire than she was at 100, and she still didn't look a day over 80.
Great Grandma passed away on Saturday night, and her memorial service was held today back home in Michigan. Her obituary is here.
It's always sad to see a loved one go, but you have to celebrate anybody who makes it to 102.
Here's to you, Grandma.
7 comments:
That is amazing she managed to be on her own that long- I'm terrified of languishing in a old people's home. Especially if I succumb to dementia like oh so many of my relatives. It's still hard to lose family, especially apparently ass-kicking ones. A toast to Grandma Belle!
What a sweet tribute :) She sounds like a kick ass lady!!
I'm sorry for your loss, but I agree with you - 102 years and a life full of happy memories is nothing to be sad about. She sounds like a wonderful person!
I'm so sorry for your loss! But, seriously, what an inspiration she is!
Wow what a story. I'm so sorry for your loss, but she is a true inspiration of how to live your life to its fullest to 102.
I'm sorry for your loss, friend. :( It sounds like she had such an amazing life. 102! I can't even imagine it! *hugs to you and your sister and the rest of your family*
I am so sorry for your loss Heidi, but it looks like she lived a long and happy life. My great-grandma just turned 95 last week. She has lived alone for the past 13 years since her husband died. It saddens me that she is starting to lose her eye sight and that she is having a hard time hearing too, but she is such a stubborn little thing that she refuses any help. That's the good thing about getting old. You can tell everyone to eff off and they just brush it off because you are old!
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