100 Years Young
In about a week I’ll be heading to Arizona to celebrate my grandmothers 100th birthday. She is one of my greatest loves and for as long as I can remember she has been in my life.
It feels surreal to even think about living a century of life. In fact, only 0.02 % of the human population even do. When I Facetimed her the other day I reminded her that she’s turning 100, she just laughed at me— like I was telling her a good joke.
Oh, to be 100 years young.
Born in 1925, in the small town of Bluefields, Nicaragua, my grandmother has experienced so much in her lifetime; Joy, pain, bravery, leadership, war, vast changes, new beginnings, starting over and great love. She was the first female mayor of Diriamba, walking into rooms full of men who never expected to see a woman at the head of the table. But there she was, leading with both grace and conviction. She’s lived through the deepest of losses and sadness, but has never let the world harden her heart. I believe more than anything that what’s kept her so young isn’t a life without challenges, but a mindset of true vitality—a determination to move forward, to love greatly, and to find purpose.
From the time I was born, Lita moved in with us to be my primary care giver since my mother and father both worked full time jobs. I’ve always known it, but now that I’m older I realize what an immense and rare gift that was to grow up with her by my side. If you’ve never met her, well, she’s the sweetest, most loving person you’ll ever meet. I’m certain of it. She would prepare me fresh eucalyptus tea at night when i would suffer from rough childhood illnesses. She was the first to carefully lather vapor rub on my cold feet and wrap them in warm socks to ward off a fever. There were many times growing up, I was happy to skip school, to just spend the day with her and watch The Sound of Music together.
She is today and always has been the most thoughtful caregiver. In the most intricate of details, she puts her loved ones first. In fact, I still catch her waking up sometimes at 6am to make my uncle coffee before he leaves to work- that’s without an alarm clock too!
And although some memories fade as we age, to this day Lita, still recites her poems that she wrote as a young woman in boarding school. Her poems are so beautiful, they speak of her country with pride and immense love. When she reads them to you, she holds herself in that same poise you could imagine that she used to stand elegantly in front of her audience. It was such a different time back then you see. Less fast paced, less commercial, less on-demand. She tells me of times, where her family would all sit together in the living room. No iPhones in hand, just enjoying time in each others presence. May I never forget the stories she shares and the lessons they offer.
There are those in life who we hold a special connection with. One that can’t be replaced nor compared. All that’s needed is mere look, a warm smile, or a gentle squeeze of the hand to say all. Time never feels like enough with those we love. I’ve only been alive for one-third of my grandmothers life and every time I say ‘goodbye for now’, it feels as though my heart is being torn in with a thousand different ways. That being said, I couldn’t be more grateful to have my dearest Lita alive and well on her birthday this year. After all, 100 is more than just a number. It’s a century of love, resilience, and the beautiful soul that is—and always will be—Lita.
