Lovey

My mother-in-law, Lovey, returned to Arizona earlier this week after a six-day visit. While she was here we traveled five hours to the east to watch a grand-daughter’s graduation; an hour to the west to visit a grandson in college and some of her friends from work many years ago; and a half-hour into the Finger Lakes area to run some errands for me. In between, we shopped at various times for a matching pair of shoes for her lime green/sky blue pants suit, a new brown jacket for fall, and a maroon sweater that will go with anything. We spent one afternoon at a casino and another visiting a nursing home where she took a pet rabbit around to meet residents, most of whom were younger than her. One evening when we actually stayed home, she danced the tap routine she used to do in vaudeville for us. I was exhausted when she left!

Did I mention Lovey is 90 years old?

I have long been in awe of Lovey. For my daughter’s wedding two years ago, she spent more time on the dance floor than I did. Every time I need to find her in a store, it is never a problem as she always is dressed in bright colored pants suits or dresses – with bag and shoes to match, of course. And, I notice where ever I take her, Lovey always manages to start up a conversation with someone and leave them laughing.

When my father-in-law passed away five years ago, Lovey quickly discovered that staying home alone did not suit her. I would bet she is probably the oldest volunteer at her local high school. Every school day she is in at 6:30 am, assisting at the bookstore and making copies. When she turned 90 last year, the school threw her a wonderful party. Teachers take her out to dinner. Students stop in to say ‘hi’. Everyone wants to be around Lovey.

Lovey reminds me that age is a state of mind. If we are simply who we are and take each day one at a time then it matters not how old we are, how many days we have lived. Each day is precious and if we are blessed to have many of them in our lives, then we are far better off living each day fully rather than dwelling on how many we have already lived.

Enjoy your day and may you have 90 years of joyful living too.

Judy Warner