100 Years!

Can you imagine turning 100 years old? Here at the age of 41, I find it hard to imagine. So much has already changed in my lifetime (can you remember a time when you didn't have e-mail or a cell phone?), I can't even fathom what's to come in the next 60 years.

Last week I got to picture what it would be like to turn 100. I traveled out to California (inland, where it's really, really hot) for my Great Aunt Nora's 100th birthday. It is such a gift to be able to honor a life well spent while the person is still alive and kicking.

Nora isn't as spry as she was at 75, but she still gets around. She is still the first to find humor in any situation and to laugh at her own jokes (some of which are funny). She loves children, and they ADORE her (my 10 year old nephew couldn't get enough of her). She has seen a lot over the last 100 years, and takes it all in stride. It was a ball watching her as she sat in the seat of honor and everyone told stories about how she has impacted their life.

Nora's greatest gift to me is the example she has set for how to live. Throughout her life, she has always been positive, and has always treated people with respect. She has always been true to herself, not worrying about what other people think. She is kind, and quick to tell you the good she sees in people and things. She has opinions (many of which I don't agree with), and she isn't afraid to voice them. But they're her opinions, and she loves it when people have their own.

I hope we all have a chance to celebrate 100 well-lived years!