That's me (far left) with my mother, grandmother and great grandmother—four generations of my family.
By Antoinette Ford
When I was about ten years old my grandfather’s mother (Grandmom Mathis) would visit my grandmother’s mother, (Grandma Phyllis) every Sunday after church. They were both in their 60s—at a time when 60 was considered old! Yet they were good friends who were eager to maintain a close bond between the two families.
My great grandmother Mattie Mathis at age 98
One of the favorite memories of Grandmom Mathis was the day she was about to miss her trolley and ran an entire block—wearing high heels—to catch it. A 60-plus year old woman racing in full sprint was a sight to see! We joked about that for weeks, and each time we’d bring it up she’d crack a smile with that “ “what do you take me for, an old lady” expression on her face.
Today, I fully understand what that expression meant. I’m older now than my great-grandmother was back then, and yet I make sure my schedule includes strenuous games of tennis and other action-packed activities. Even though I’m now included among their ranks, I still find myself fascinated by their stories and captivated by their wisdom.
During my interviews with seniors for our Cherry Blossom Festival production, I’ve met some inspirational individuals. One is a 103-year old woman who still carries a valid drivers license (she stopped driving three years ago, after turning 100). Another is a friend who, despite being in her 80s, still ice skates, plays tennis and practices tai chi.
I’m not going to call them old; I’d rather go with a word that’s more appropriate: —seasoned. And with this post I plan to regularly celebrate seasoned individuals who have lived 75 years and beyond.
Listening to their stories, hearing them reminiscence about fabulous friends and neighbors, and laughing with them as they describe riding around on wooden bicycles (who knew they made bikes out of wood?) has been an enjoyable experience. Their vibrancy inspires me. And the more I become inspired, the more I want to see them celebrated.
So help me celebrate the seasoned among us. Do you know a senior who inspires? Do you have a relative who deserves to be celebrated? Have you noticed someone that makes you think “hey, 80 is the new 50″?
If you know someone that fits the bill, contact me with their information, I’ll do my best to share their stories in our production on April 9.
The seasoned among us deserve to be honored. And it is my honor to celebrate their lives.
February 9, 2012
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