90 Years Young and Still Going Strong

I am inspired by my Aunt Joy. She has been around for 90 glorious years, and is still going strong. Her entire extended family gathered recently for a grand weekend of celebration for her birthday.

That's her in pink in the photo (which includes only a portion of the clan). Four generations were represented. Can you pick out the youngest, her adorable great granddaughter?

Joy has had two wonderful marriages, and has outlived both husbands. Both are great love stories.

• The first, my Uncle Bob, she met after being sent away by her mother so she would come to her senses and realize her then-fiancee was not the right man for her. Instead, she met my uncle, they fell in love, and were married within a few weeks!
• She married her second when she was 80 or 81 and he was in his late 80s. She had nabbed the most eligible widower in her retirement community. The local newspaper did two big spreads on them: their wedding, on Valentine's Day, and a follow-up some time later. They were the talk of the town.

She feels completely blessed for all she has in her life. She's been through a lot too.

What's her secret? Here are some of my thoughts:

• She rolls with what life gives her, and makes lemonade from the lemons. She's been through bankruptcy, and losing two men she loves.
• She is full of appreciation. Every time I visit her, and everything I do for her, she is full of gratitude.
• She is accepting of others.
• She is always helping others. She is also good at allowing others to help her.
• She is clear what she wants.

Look like some pretty good life lessons to me. I'm sure my cousins, my mom (her sister), or other family members have things they can add.

So here's to you, Joy. Thanks for being such an inspiration to your family and friends!

Comments

[Christina Solstad]

Rick,

Thanks so much for visiting my blog - and for forwarding to others! I'm so happy you find it inspiring - that makes my heart sing. :)

Christina

[Rick Grimes]

Thanks for sending this inspiring article which I forwarded to friends. Life is good.

Rick Grimes