tempus fugit

By ceridwen

This is what ninety looks like

If you possess exceptionally good genes, remain active and have a zest for living and giving.

I first met Val a couple of years ago when she was  member of a history class I joined. One afternoon when we were chatting while waiting for the tutor to arrive she remarked "Saturday was my 70th wedding anniversary." Jaws dropped: no one could believe she was 88 but yes, and she'd married  shortly after her 18th birthday. She has eight children, seventeen grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, all of whom she sends birthday cards to. She has run a hotel and  been a nurse. A widow now, she lives on her own but is "never in" because she's always out. She does Pilates, swims, and belongs to a walking group. She is tall and slender, has a spring in her step, and always looks stylish. She drives and travels abroad to visit her far-flung offspring. She volunteers for "everything" in the community and in particular for our theatre/cinema where she both ushers and  takes charge of the refreshment bar (with an iron hand I am told.) 

As a special token of the theatre's appreciation Val was invited to  select a film to be screened in her honour to an invited audience of staff and volunteers. She chose Forrest Gump which was followed by a small party with a fancy cake and the presentation of an apron bearing the words 'Your Kitchen, My Rules'. 
(Why wouldn't anyone want to follow Val's rules?)

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.