Oh, Those Golden, Centenarian Years!

I told this story before, and it bears repeating.

The lessons in life, with their many twists and turns, have been an amazing journey. I often think: What legacy will I leave behind when I finish this race? What do I do today? Will it count for something tomorrow? When I’m long gone, will I merely be a faded memory or a burn in someone’s heart? Will my deeds be forgotten? Lost? Or buried?

I’ve read about some incredible women. These women did not allow age, status, limitations, or even imprisonment to keep them from destiny. As fleeting as it is, they knew their self-worth and value in this life. Women like Mother Teresa gave 50 years of service to the poor, the sick, the orphans, and the dying in Calcutta, India. Women like Corrie ten Boom, who spent 10 months in a concentration camp at the age of 53, began a worldwide ministry that took her into more than 60 countries in the next 33 years of her life. I didn’t know them personally, but they were admirable, inspirational women.

They made a difference.

Many endearing women have entered my life, not only as friends, but also as mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and mentors. While each embodies unique gifting, each holds a special place in my heart.

One such individual is Elizabeth. She loves people, is full of life, charm, and wit, and believes in having a 90% attitude and 10% circumstance. She loves to laugh, crack a joke, watch the Kentucky Derby, share about her travels around the world, read anything that takes her miles away, watch The Lawrence Welk Show, and go right on dancing if only she could.

I’ve known her for over thirty years, but within the past few years, she’s been unable to use her walker. She can no longer walk or read as she once did. Yes, she sometimes forgets, yet her mind is still intact; her wits are still sharp as a tack, as is her tongue. My husband, daughter, and I take care of her. We also have a care provider who comes in. While we attend to Elizabeth’s daily needs, she teaches us about life.

Did I mention that a horse and buggy rushed her to the hospital and that she was one year old during the Titanic? That’s right. Elizabeth was born in 1911. You do the math.

To know Elizabeth is to have your life enriched.

As I age, may I emulate her love and passion for living.

Bind us together, Lord …

© M.A. Pérez 2015, All Rights Reserved