I've blogged about her several times before, and I might just repeat one of my favorite posts about her later this month, in her honor.
We weren't able to see her for Christmas. We last visited her in September, when she was hospitalized due to an infection. She was on a pureed food diet, and somehow, they had managed to puree spaghetti and tomato sauce into something less than appealing. Needless to say, this outspoken centenarian of Italian descent was having none of it.
Hopefully, the food at her favorite restaurant (where her birthday will be celebrated) will be more to her liking.
She lives almost four hours by car from us, and we will hope the January weather is in her favor.
What is it like to be almost 104 years old? It seems, sometimes, that we don't value our senior citizens - until they reach 100. Then, suddenly, we are admiring them, and hanging on their every word. And, most of all, wondering what they did to reach that magic age because, after all, we may just want to live to 104, or beyond, ourselves.
My spouse's aunt is not a perfect person. No, far from it. But that actually seems to be the norm.
I wondered how many 104 year old people there are in the United States. The only answer I was able to find was approximately 10,000. I'm not sure how accurate that is.
But I can tell you this - although her body is frail, her mind is active, and she doesn't hestitate to share her opinion with others. Now, I hope we can travel, and help her celebrate. The last several years, her birthday party had to be postponed time and again, due to weather.
Do you have a centenarian in your life?
I wish I did. Cherish her while you can. I think imperfect 104 year olds with sharp minds, wits, and tongues are far more interesting and entertaining than the mild-mannered sort that can be moved from room to room without changing expression. If I live so long, I hope that I am like your husband's aunt! I hope that she has a wonderful birthday.
ReplyDeleteHow stupendous! Wow! Do you think we could still be blogging at 104? Maybe?
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone that made it to 104, we like to live hard and die young, but hell, I've made it to 72.
ReplyDeleteHi Alana,
ReplyDeleteThat's neat! I hope both she and all who go to celebrate her life will enjoy her party!
I don't know any personally but I know there are a few more nowadays than there used to be. :) I don;t know anyone now. But a few years ago, I interviewed a woman who was over 100 for the local newspaper. She was the family matriarch of the McDonald clan. She died a little over a year ago. Boy was she loved! Amy
How wonderful! Congratulations and best wishes to the aunt.
ReplyDeleteWe aren't as respectful of age as we should be. Generally this doesn't dawn on us until we're of a certain age. My mother died two months ago, at 93. Even though she had dementia, during her last days, her clarity amazed me!
ReplyDeleteWell some one who pass the 85th mark should have there food any way they please.
ReplyDeleteGive her a big hug from me.
Coffee is on
Wow. We've lost all generations before us. All grandmas, papas, aunts and uncles on both sides, gone. I miss them all very much and I hope that I will live to 104! I'm a feisty Italian woman too! Let's hope that's a plus. :) - Happiest of birthday wishes to your aunt.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Happy Birthday to your aunt. I hope you get good weather for the celebrations.
ReplyDeleteNo centenarians in my family at all. But we have a few getting into their 90's, so maybe one day. Happy Birthday to her and a Happy New Year to all.
ReplyDeleteI don't --- but I live with an 86 year old who doesn't have full facility of his mind and that makes me appreciate what a blessing it is that your spouse's aunt does! Happy 104th to her!
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I'm fascinated by the oldest person in the world, and I frequently read up on who holds that title. It changes rather frequently.
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather holds out. Wish her a happy birthday from me.
What a wonderful tribute! It's hard to imagine some folks living to 100 and beyond, because my own grandparents died well before that age, as did my parents. I can't recall if I've ever known of anyone personally who reached 100 years of age.
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