My favorite great aunt recently celebrated 97 years!
That's my favorite cousin, James, named after my dad. His look has spanned many generations but one thing remains the same: he's quite possibly the most brilliant person I know with a genuine laugh and an easy ability to talk about subjects that most people know nothing about.
As a young girl, I would sit in the same room with my older 2nd and 3rd cousins and aunts just to listen to "the adults talk". They always engaged me with questions about what I thought of the subjects and encouraged me to speak my mind. These are some of the hardest working women I've ever met, from lifelong grade school and collegiate-level educators to a businesswoman with a strong penchant for coffee. They get me. This time there was discussion of the 2 traits that most Humphries women are handed a measure of - back pain, and longevity. Fortunately, it seems our family's women live to their late 80s/90s. Conversely, back pain abounds, notably from carrying around our sparkling personality. My words, not theirs.
It was a short visit but exactly what was needed. Although Aunt Mary Catherine may not remember names as easily as before, her smile still lights up the room and her laugh is the same baritone that once commanded a room's attention. Her heart is the most beautiful part of her. She has now outlived every family member in our shortened family tree. And her stubbornness? Well, let's just say it runs in the family.
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I ask you -
Who is the oldest living person in your family?
Who's birthday party did you last attend?
Surprise parties: yay or nay? Nay. Please don't. I like knowing what to expect and a surprise party is not it.
(The post A Party to Post About! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
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