100 (and 500) not out!

Wednesday 28 May 2014: 100 (and 500) not out!
My mother celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday in fine style in the company of family, friends and carers. Although quite frail and hard of hearing with limited vision she still has her wits about her and is strong in spirit, sharp of mind and blunt of tongue!

Mum has led busy life at which caring for others has been a central feature. Firstly raising her family and then doing voluntary work with disabled people in the 1960s, mostly with what in those days would have been referred to as mentally handicapped children.

Later she became Scotland's first ever Play Therapist working at Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow. She was based in the burns ward, a very humbling experience working to restore the confidence in children who had been greatly disfigured often in tragic circumstances. Her storytelling, musical and artistic talents served her well.

Mum is a devoted grandmother and great grandmother and her only sadness in life is that my father, who died 46 years ago, hasn't been at her side to share the many memorable moments that she has enjoyed over the years.

There is no secret recipe for her longevity but she will concede that stopping smoking at 83 was a good move and having two 'shots' of Baileys every night is the best 'prescription' the doctor never gave her!

Mum was very determined to the point of being quite thrawn about going to live in a Care Home and give up her independence but as she will now, three years on, readily admit it has given her a new lease of life. She receives a very high level of care which might just be another reason why she is still so 'sprightly' and has lots of lovely carers who 'dance to her tune'!

So a special day shared with a special lady seemed to be the perfect way to 'celebrate' my 500th blip. It is one of her holding one of her many birthday cards. In 1972 whilst still working at the hospital the Queen came to open the 'new' hospital and met mum as she toured round the wards. As my mum recalls, "It was a memorable day, aye for the Queen, getting to meet me, she'll not forget that it in a hurry!". And indeed she hasn't and she sent mum a card on this wonderful day!

Many thanks to the 'special' people who have supported and encouraged me along the way to my 500 I am most grateful and don't deserve your loyalty and kindness. As my mother said yesterday, "Who knows what the future holds but I'm going to enjoy it! Cheers!!". 

I'll drink to that mum!!!