Can We Talk 2

100th Birthday

         My oldest living relative turned 100 last Tuesday. She was 15 when my mother was born, so they were always close, the teenage aunt and little niece. I can't tap into her knowledge of the family tree, because she's forgetful and confused. She remembers her children, and one grandson, and my uncle.

         Today they had a party for her at the nursing home, which is 50 minutes away from town. I had to work, so I couldn't go. I wanted to see the other relatives, you know the ones you only see at funerals.

         It's not customary for people in that family line to live long lives. I have a line on my father's side where they tend to live to their 90's. But he has another line that doesn't make it to my age now.

         It's unfortunate that her memory is gone. But she's not physically suffering. I want to see her hang on, because her passing will be the end of a generation. A lot of family ties will be lost. As long as she's not hurting, I hope she lasts many more years.