On Saturday I went to Alma's 100th birthday party. It was the first time I had been to a party for someone who is 100. I am so glad I was invited (even if it was by open house invitation announced in church), because I would have been sad to be left off the list. This was the birthday party of the year . . . even with J turning 30, Jake 25, and Kadie 21 this year.
Alma is in good health with limited vision and hearing but as you can see she is in good spirits. At 100 she isn't complaining about her health, she isn't gossiping and complaining about how other's live their life. Instead she is joyful, full of gratitude, and generous with expressions of kindness.
A week before her birthday I was in the back of church waiting for her to leave. I was so excited, "Alma you're 100! How wonderful! Happy Birthday!" Alma said, "Is this Heidi?" She recognized my voice! It was like being acknowledged by a Rock Star. I looked to Randy, "She knows it's me!"
It is Alma's gentleness, kindness, and faith, rather than her age, that puts her in the class of "superior people." And at her party she had a very long receiving line acknowledging her noble status.
Alma's party was the biggest birthday party I have ever been too. I heard that many guests had already left by the time we had arrived, and they were still coming when we were leaving. It warmed my heart to know that people, in this little part of the world, have the good sense to take time to celebrate what really should be celebrated- the long and well lived life of a lovely person.
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