Milestones and Memories

 My mother-in-law turns 90 next Wednesday so today we have had a family get together and a luncheon to celebrate this amazing milestone. Not many people get to have this number on their cake! 

I have known her for over 30 years which means I met her when she was in her late 50's - an age that will be here soon for me. I have been at her 60th birthday party and right through to her 90th now. In so many ways she hasn't really changed although I know she is older. Her memory is a bit up and down but physically she keeps really well and still lives on her own. 

She has led a simple life full of many joys and sorrows. I am constantly amazed by her strength as at her age she has now lost both her parents, all of her siblings, her husband, her eldest son and a grand daughter along with many friends. Her youngest son (my husband) is now also facing the end of his life which may come before hers and it breaks my heart that she will have to know the pain of losing a second son to the same awful disease. Despite all of this loss I have never heard her be bitter and twisted about what she has had to cope with. Her stoicism amazes me and inspires to keep on keeping ok.

The amazing legacy she has created was evident today with all of the people there to celebrate including her remaining children, her grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. It was so lovely to see everyone together celebrating this amazing woman who demonstrates gratitude daily in her apporach to life. It was a day worth celebrating with lots of laughs, good food, happy memories shared and lots of photos taken. Priceless!