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Keep Them Guessing

Today, Mama would've been 97 years old, three years shy from the 100 that she often told people she was.

If I happened to be around, they would ask me, "Is that true? Is she really 100."

"Is that what she said?" I'd reply.

"Yes."


Mama was probably in her mid-80s when people started wanting to know about her age. At first, I'd laugh, and say something like "She's pulling your leg." Only if they asked would I say how old Mama truly was. 

When Mama was in her 90s, I would simply reply, "That's what she said."

Whatever I replied, they'd respond, "She's strong for her age." Or, "She looks good for her age."


Of course. She spent nearly every day of her 29 years of retirement working in her yard, making it pretty with succulents, flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees.

What better way for me to celebrate Mama's birthday than to take cuttings of her red geraniums and citronella geraniums and plant them along the fence.


Cheers to The Mama!


Comments

  1. Happy Birth-Remembrance-Day for the Mama. :)

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    Replies
    1. The Husband and I cracked up a lot with Mama stories today. Even in death, she is a character to love.

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  2. A Happy Belated Birthday to your mom who had a rich life and was quite the beauty in her age. I do love that traditional gown she is wearing.

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    Replies
    1. I wonder now why she thought it was important to bring that gown with her when she packed for the United States. Hmmm, there's a story to think about.

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  3. She was a similar age to my paternal grandfather. He would be right at or near a hundred if hadn't had died a decade before I was born.

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    Replies
    1. Ah, you have longevity in your genes, Adam. Good health to you.

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  4. Cheers to the Mama. You honor her. I think my Mom has a good chance to get to 100, but anything can happen. We are making the most of the time we have with her.

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  5. Your story is a beautiful way to remember your Mama

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  6. Too many of us pretend to an age we already were. Good for her for aspiring higher.

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    Replies
    1. She had a wit on her that we underestimated a lot, because she was so deadpan. I think she actually enjoyed astounding people.

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  7. I love it that she told her age older than she was...maybe I’ll start trying that. I wonder how many years I’d have to add before people start to say how strong/good I look for my age.

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    Replies
    1. A good ponder of a wonder, Sallie. I think if I ever lost 30 pounds, I'll be the first to say I look good for my age. lol

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  8. My mom lived until 97. She had a good long life, working hard as a teacher for almost 40 years. - Margy

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Thanks for the good cheer. :-)

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