Living 90 Years to the Fullest

My husband’s grandma turned 90 today. 90. Nine-zero. Ten years away from 100. That is quite a feat in and of itself. Don’t we all joke about how “old” we’re getting when we turn 30, 40 and 50? I wonder what Grandma thinks of such folly? All I know is that if I can be like her when I’m 90, sign me up! I know my sister-in-law feels the same.

Let me take a moment to introduce you to Grandma. She was born Celina Charlotte Bohnenkamp. She is the oldest of nine children. Only she and the youngest sister are still living. She married Lester AuBuchon on Aug. 2, 1941, and Tuesday would have been their 70th anniversary. Sadly, Grandpa died five years ago. They had been married for almost 65 years. Think about that. They were married longer than many people live.

Grandma has three children, 10 grandchildren and countless great and even great-great grandchildren.  She makes handmade items for every wedding and birth.  I’m preparing to host a 90th birthday party at my home for her. When I was buying candy for the “candy bar” we’ll have, the young girl at the counter wanted to know how she was doing at 90. After telling her that she was amazing, she wanted to know how she does it, how she stays so young and vibrant.

Well the Grandma I know has always been busy. Though she and Grandpa were retired 22 years ago when I first met them, I marveled at their active lifestyle. They went white water rafting in Colorado one summer, flew to Canada for lunch one day, hiked countless miles with a walking group, and these are just a few things that stand out.

They were both avid gardeners and Grandma still is. She also knits, crochets, quilts, sews, mends, makes cards… she really will do anything anybody will teach her— and she’s good at all of it! They were always working puzzles or making items for a nursing home. I’ve never known Grandma to not be busy doing something. They also had so many friends (though she’s outliving most of them I’m sure). She joins clubs and organizations like the Salvation Army. She jumped right into social groups at St. Paul’s church when she moved to Oakville, too. She makes friends everywhere she goes.

What I love most about Grandma is that she always has time for everyone. We have had so many memorable conversations over the years. Both of my grandmas died before I reached my 20s, and to have Grandma in my life has been a real God send. She’s as much my own grandma as if I had been born into her family instead of marrying in. She has so much wisdom to share. Her perspective is always so valuable to me. She’s a woman of faith, she’s a woman of character, and she’s a woman I dearly love. If ever I need to tell of a role model, this lady is it. I adore her and I hope she has a great time this Saturday. She deserves it more than anyone I know.

Happy Birthday Grandma!