Cool As Cool Can Be

By now, everyone reading this probably knows my mom just celebrated her 97th birthday.

And I have to tell you, she is one cool chick.

Here are the top 10 reasons why, in no particular order:

1 - It is important to her to become an involved member of the community in which she lives.  Even though I think she is rather shy, as the newcomer at  Spring Hills Assisted Living, she carries herself as she always has - with a very friendly demeanor - smiling, saying "hello," and extending her hand to everyone.

2 - She makes everyone feel special.  She tells her visitors that she's glad they came, thanks them for helping her and tells them she is looking forward to their next visit.  She also asks everyone how they're doing.  It matters to her what the answers are.

3 - She loves to experience the simple pleasures of life on a daily basis:  a good shower, satisfying meals, a large-print library book, a taste of the outdoors - to soak in the sun, feel the breeze on her face, and try to identify flower species and birds - while kicking back and relaxing.   

4 - She has goals for herself. She wants to walk again and not rely on her wheelchair as her primary means of transportation.  She's a bit impatient about his, but I get it.  She has never been one to sit and watch life go by. 

5 - She's not afraid to make a fashion statement. If she wants to wear something, regardless of the look, she wears it.  She doesn't get caught up in what others might think. For example, she's OK with her jeans having an elastic waist band. She's OK with wearing whatever shoes and sneakers she wants, regardless of the outfit.  She's OK with wearing fall or winter sweaters in the summer and summer tops in the winter.

6 - She is open-minded about life.  She delves into the opportunity to try new things and cultivate new talents.  She was in her mid-80s when she became a painter and focused on writing poetry and getting it published.    

7 -  She is a product of all she's lived through and as such is an amazing wealth of information and heart.  Her life story is riveting.

8 - She cares.  She has spent her life working for the betterment of people and fighting for everyone's rights.  At the Watermark in Philly, where she lived last, she was president of Grannies for Peace.  

9 - She says there's nothing like a good sense of humor.  

    

10 - Mom's always ready for a new adventure, and this one at Spring Hills has just begun...

Stay tuned!