It is refreshing to discover that in a world filled with stories about dementia – living with it, caring for folks who have it, or actively trying to lower their own risk, there are still folks who remain sharp and vibrant as they reach 80 years of age. A good friend of mine, D’Lorah Hurton, just threw a fantastic 80th birthday party for one such octogenarian – her father-in-law.
D’Lorah and I have been friends for over 50 years. During a recent visit, I learned that she had not only put together quite the celebration for her father-in-law’s big day, but she also recorded his life history – complete with photos. She has graciously agreed to post his story on this blog. Enjoy his journey.
Category: Silver Stars
“Silver Stars” are folks who are still shining brightly. They are the do-ers, go-ers and servers. These folks are not content to rest on their laurels and let the world pass them by. “Silver Stars” finish well.
Over the Rhine – from Germany to America
I’d like you to meet Jerry and Ilse Cauble. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did.
As a child, Ilse remembered that their family always had an Advent Calendar – which was first used by Germans – to count the days in anticipation of Christmas beginning in early December. She also recalled that the children were not allowed to see the tree until Christmas Eve. The room the tree sat in was closed off while her Mother decorated it festively with balls, handmade ornaments, and candles. Everyone waited excitedly for the moment when the candles were lit and the tree was revealed. The children were also excited about the pending arrival of a beautiful angelic figure with blond hair and wings referred to as ‘Christkind’, (whom they never actually saw) on Christmas Eve. Christkind left them presents such as a small sack of fruit and candy.
From Korea with love: The lives of Sang and Frances Lee
I am a collector of stories. It is my experience that some of those who have lived the longest have the most interesting tales to tell – if not simply due to the fact that time brings change. For folks who pursue their passion and fight the good fight on a daily basis. They are the dreamers and inventors – re-inventers of destiny. Their stories shed light on how extraordinary they truly are.
I’d like you to meet Sang and Frances Lee. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did.
Pops – octogenarian author still writing
Not too long after we retired to North Carolina, my husband and I made a trip down to Florida to visit my father-in-law, Wayne Sr., as well as meet Sandy, his new lady-friend. We refer to him as ‘Pops’.
It was a lovely drive and we anticipated a nice, quiet weekend hanging out with the ‘old folks’. We were in for a surprise.
Keeper of History
Evelyn has shown that same industrious spirit in everything she turns her attention to. The history she has kept and preserved will continue to bless family and friends for countless generations to come.
Andy finished life well – but way too soon
We know that Andy had many struggles in life but over the past several years he experienced many victories and was in a good place – he finished well.
Millie, the Turtle Teacher changes the world one student at a time
One of her greatest joys in teaching was to help her students get ready for college. She recognized that the kids needed extra training in order to succeed in life and was able to make significant changes in the way teaching was done.
The Messenger
Mama was a messenger. Her life was a message that didn’t need words. This season also gave her family something else. Time. The extra time we were given allowed us the opportunity to show her honor.
Jack Hansen re-retires (again)
There have been many changes in the world of education over the past several decades, but Jack believes that the one thing that has not changed is the need to interact with the kids and building relationships.
Joy has the ‘Wright’ idea
Joy operates on the principle that when she sees a need, she tries to fill it – not wait for someone else to come along. Well, she certainly filled a need at Recycle the Warmth – coming early and staying late.