Day 3 - 49 -- Celebrating a Centenarian

A week ago, a dear friend of mine celebrated her 100th birthday. Sadly we are geographically separated and I wasn't able to get to Saskatchewan for her special party day. I think of her often and send real paper greeting cards <smile> to celebrate the highlights of the years. She loves life. Her heart envelopes so many people and all creatures. Her faith guides her through the ups and the downs of life. I can't recall her speaking harshly about anyone -- ever. She is gracious and understands that we are all in different places and see things differently.

I often think about the changes that have occurred in the world during her lifetime. She was a school teacher who walked two miles to a rural school and had to start the fire in the school house when she arrived. Into the winter a fellow who lived only a mile away offered to open the school and get it warm before she arrived each day. She calls that love for each other. She ended her career after many years in a grade 2 classroom in a large urban school that encompassed kindergarten to grade 9. We've often talked of my work as an educator in a university setting -- one of our many points of intersection.

Today's song is for her. The lyrics are words she is familiar with -- words that suggest we live in the moment -- enjoy each moment -- as she has always said to me. Enjoy!

Turn, Turn, Turn -- The Byrds