Motherhood & Words

102

January 19, 2011 / Kate /

Imagine being alive for over a century and still not being ready to die—to be interested in and excited about (and sometimes disgusted with) the world.

Some of you will remember my grandpa Spencer, who was ill a year ago when his abdomen filled with fluid, which made it difficult for him to breathe and sleep. Spencer, who was exasperated by my lack of imagination when I suggested that he wasn’t feeling well because he was old. Spencer, who has lived through numerous wars, who served in World War II as a military police officer, who is outraged that we haven’t learned our lesson yet. Spencer, who has had four holes-in-one, who has spent more time on a golf course than most people spend alive at all. Spencer, who was married to the love of his life, Lucille, for sixty-seven years, who sat beside her as she died, who went on living when she was gone.

 
 

Today, my grandpa is 102 years old, and he’s better than ever. He would argue that he’s still a little wobbly when he stands, and he would probably lament how long it’s been since he’s held a golf club in his hands. But he’s eating more, sleeping better, and he’s even learning how to play chess. He’s started thinking about spring and the scenic drives he and my mom will take when Minnesota thaws.

There is no one like Spencer, and I’m so lucky to have him in my life and in my girls’ lives. Happy Birthday, Grandpa! I love you!

Please raise your glass to Spencer today! 

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Kate

I have been teaching creative writing for almost twenty years. Reading about other women’s lives and experiences has expanded my world. To be able to walk in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s for a moment or an hour or a few days, is an incredible gift, providing me with insight into the human experience. It takes courage to write your truths, especially if it doesn’t seem as though anyone cares, as though anyone is listening. Let me tell you: your stories matter, I’m listening, and I’m here to help you find the heart of those truths, to get them down on the page, to craft them, and to send them out into the world. Together, we will change the world, one story at a time.

17 Comments

  1. kristenspina on January 19, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Beautiful. Happy birthday!!



  2. Elizabeth on January 19, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Oh, my glass is held high! Happy Birthday to Spencer. What an amazing man — a true model for all of us! Thank you for sharing him.



  3. Sara on January 19, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Wonderful! Happy birthday, Spencer.



  4. Brenda on January 19, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    That's who I wanna be when I grow up.



  5. Ines on January 19, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    WOW, Kate. I am happy you still have a grandfather! 102 years….
    The pictures are beautiful. Thanks.



  6. Peg on January 19, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    What a lovely post and a great man! Happy birthday to your grandfather!



  7. Julie on January 19, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    Love this! Thanks for sharing, Kate!



  8. cath c on January 19, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    just wonderful.

    and think, he's passing on those hearty long life genes!

    happy birthday!



  9. Amber on January 19, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Wow! Cheers to Spencer!



  10. Andrea on January 19, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Wow–102! How lucky you are to have such an amazing ancestor right there in your midst, and how lucky he is to have such an amazing descendant to write him such lovely tributes.



  11. Cecilia on January 19, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    What an amazing man (and he looks fantastic!)! You and your girls are so lucky to have him in your lives. Many happy returns!



  12. kate hopper on January 20, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Thank you! I think he had a wonderful day, and now he has his eyes set on 103!



  13. Lisa on January 20, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Your grandpa sounds awesome! Here's to Spencer!!



  14. Andria on January 20, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    That is so incredible. What beautiful pictures. Looking forward to next year's birthday post, Grandpa Spencer!



  15. Caroline on January 21, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Happy belated birthday! what a beautiful tribute to your grandfather — your family is so lucky.



  16. 6512 and growing on January 24, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Wow, he looks great. Maybe he can write a guest blog post and tell us his secrets 🙂



  17. Mary on January 28, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    I've been wondering about your Grandpa and am thrilled to read this! Happy 102 to him!!