Aunt Vivian’s 103rd Birthday Party – You won’t believe how good she looks!

After she broke her hip last winter, we were afraid that would be it – she would rapidly deteriorate and die. But once again she has proven that you never, never, never count out Vivian Smith. True, she was a long time recovering, but after just 3 weeks of physical therapy she’s back up on her walker.

About 14 of us showed up at the seaside restaurant in Galveston to celebrate. The wait staff couldn’t resist pointing her out to other patrons. The whole place was buzzing about her.

By the time we repaired to her assisted living home for cake and ice cream, I figured she’d just want to lie down. But she remained her usual sunny self and even managed to blow out her candles. (No, there weren’t 103 of them. That would’ve burned down the house. We’re talking only three, as in 1-0-3.)

With a long history of good deeds and community activism in her native Mathis, Texas, there’s no more amazing woman in the world. I personally attribute her longevity to DNA (her mom made it to 101), her gracious and gregarious disposition, and almost total lack of meds. Yep. Only occasional pills for an infection or something, but NO maintenance meds. I want to grow up to be just like her!

“When 102 years old you are, look this good you will not!” -Yoda

Vivian Smith, my aunt-in-law, turned 102 on July 29. No way does she look it! She takes no meds except over-the-counter stuff occasionally, but these days she does need a walker to get around. Yes, she’s very hard of hearing, but is still quite sociable and loves going out to eat. Eating out, in fact, has been her favorite thing forever.

We marked the occasion with a small family gathering at a seafood place in Galveston. The restaurant’s marquee read: “Happy Birthday Vivian Smith, 102 years.” OMG you should’ve seen the close calls on Seawall Blvd. with folks slowing down to snap pics of that sign! Other restaurant patrons stopped by the table to offer congratulations. Aunt V was, as always, warm and gracious to all.

My sister-in-law Kathy planned everything – even had the group over to her lovely house afterward for cake and punch.

Aunt V is in care now. Kathy bravely tried to do it all herself for a couple of years, but she has to work and Aunt V can’t remember to do things like eat, bathe, or change clothes. The short-term memory is totally shot. Still, she’s a happy, pleasant person to be around, and she remembers everything from 1990 on back. And that’s quite a lot.

I have no doubt we’ll be celebrating birthday number 103. In fact, Aunt Vivian will probably outlive us all.