Dad had five older sisters.
The youngest of them was 15 years old when Dad was born in 1932.
The sisters are all gone now except for Grace…the eldest. Aunt Grace (shown here as an infant) will celebrate her 100th birthday on December 1st, 2009.
As of this morning it’s official. My brother Marc and I will be on hand there in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for the festivities that happy Tuesday afternoon. We booked our flights, hotel and car this morning, gobbling up about 82,000 “air mile” points in the process. I could never really figure the math on that sort of thing – traveling about 6 or 7 thousand actual miles and using up 82,000 mileage points. Hmmmm.
As you may have perceived lately, I’m a bit fascinated with the one-hundred-year increment. The older I get (I’m 54 at the moment), the shorter 100 years seems to feel. I sometimes wonder if my great grandfather, for example, felt like 100 years was longer than the way I feel it. My speculation is that he felt a century was much longer than the way I feel it for the simple fact that life just moved more slowly back then.
I’m glad I’m going to have the chance to personally ask Aunt Grace how her particular hundred years seems. I mean, consider it. 1909 to 2009 was an utterly astounding century. To have lived the 100 years that saw technology move the world from seeing the horseless carriage as a novelty to the end of the space shuttle life cycle has got to have been a relatively “quick” experience.
I’ve been reading Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, the story of Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Ambrose reminds us that when the expedition commenced in 1804, information had never, ever traveled faster than a guy on a horse! Granted, it’s been a bit over 200 years since then, but have you noticed lately the speed at which your email reaches you? And from how far away? How foreign this world would be to Mr. Lewis were he to glimpse it now.
These days quite a few of us probably have some connection to a centenarian. But if you’ve never thought to or have just never taken the opportunity to talk with one, let me have your questions in the comment section of this post and I’ll be sure to ask Grace to answer them for us all. It really could be some fun!
You’re in Boardman Country!
Make yourself at home,
Brad
This is really fascinating. You have a member of your family that has seen the astromical changes of the century! Wow! So many questions…
Do you recall when you first saw your first airplane or car?
What did you feel when you first felt air conditioning?
As Grocery stores evolved, how does it feel to walk through one today?
I have more but here is a start. 🙂
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Japan Is Winner Green Down Under =-.
Hi Linda!
Thanks for the comment and the good questions. I look forward to posing them to Grace and getting back to you with her answers!
100 years.. that’s fantastic! My great grandma is 98 this month, and was an active rambler until 8 years ago – she’s climbed mountains most of us younger folk would struggle to climb!
Some more questions to ask:
What was your favourite decade?
What do you think the biggest changes have been in society over the years?
Thanks, The Hamster, for visiting here and for the comment!
Your questions will be presented to Grace on December 1st. I’ll plan to get her answers out as soon as I can after my return.
I checked out your Go Go Hamsters and I think you’re right. They have a good chance of being a hit! 🙂
Just to let you know your link at comment exchange doesn’t seem to be working. But, I’m here!
I have had the pleasure to speak with some of these very wise and fortunate people several times. It is always fascinating to me.
So, what do you think about technology today?
What was High School like in your day?
How much did your first house/car cost?
Hi Barbara!
Thanks for the heads-up on my link. I went over there and re-pasted and the new one seemed to work for me.
Yes, the centenarians have had so much life experience they can’t help but have acquired some wisdom along the way. I sure look forward to asking Grace your questions and reporting back.
That’s amazing – happy birthday, Grace!
.-= corrin´s last blog ..Mexican Muffin Pizza =-.
Hi Corrin!
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I’m sure Grace will be happy to get them and I’m looking forward to interviewing her!
Can you imagine all the changes that have occurred during her life! I am thrilled your family is gathering to celebrate. My oldest sister’s name is Grace. I hope she lives to be 100. She probably hopes so too so she can be around to give her 99 year old sister a hard time.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Most Wonderful Son Award =-.
Thanks Karen!
I hope that exact scenario plays out. I can just see the two of you pestering each other and then blogging about it! 🙂
It used to be such an unusual occurrence that anyone would reach 100, and now we hear of it so much more often. It’s still a very wonderful milestone.
I’m very happy with the questions so far, so I won’t plague your aunt with yet another, but do give her my very best wishes for a particularly great birthday, and I hope you all enjoy yourselves thoroughly!
Thanks A.
Yes, it seems as though that’s another thing that has changed pretty drastically over the past 100 years. People live longer! Gotta love it!
Wow, 100 years old is pretty cool. The particular span of time she has lived has been quite a swing! I’d love to hear her thoughts and experiences!
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..Generic Marketing System Confusion =-.
I love that picture. The people look sour in so many of the older pictures. This one is very loving.
Happy Birthday Grace! I think I’m too late to ask any questions but I look forward to reading her answers.
.-= ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..Traditional Italian Christas Eve Dinner =-.