Not I. There are still a few more candles before I reach that lofty plateau. Aunt Rachel turned 95 yesterday. But, today should you ask her age, she likely would proudly say, "I'll be 96 on my next birthday." For many reasons, Rachel has been and continues to be an inspiration. Over the past few years I have written often of this remarkable lady who is a treasure to all her family. (To see just a hint of why we love her, check some of the earlier tributes [1] ) Being just ten years older than I, she along with my cousin, Clarice, is the only person to have known me all my life.
Her daughter, Pat, wrote: "Well, today mom is officially 95. The celebration has continued all week & isn't over. The other day she told that as fast as time was flying she'd be 100 before we knew it. She tells us this so we are sue to have time to plan the next big party. Tomorrow (17th) when asked her age, she will say that she'll be 96 in her next birthday. She's in Webster's under eternal optimist."
Among her other gifts, she is a great story teller and repository of family lore. She and all her siblings bore a strong facial appearance, notably high cheek bones. Her brother, Lewis, worked in the Engineering Department of UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Once when Rachel was visiting a patient there, one of Lewis's co-workers whom she did not know got on an elevator with her, took one look and said, "Another damned Cooper !" Lewis's daughter, Sharon, went with her to her daily gathering of the 'Dallas Dolls' restaurant this week and the family similarity was readily noticed.
A few pictorial tributes to this 'family treasure' :
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The oldest and the youngest . . . with her great-grand-child who is a few weeks old.
Great story!!!
ReplyDeleteI knew you were older than me, but not by eight years. Looking at your lofty numbers and including Aunt Rachel's, I need to maintain my family longevity and add some Chatum charm.
ReplyDeleteGood read Dr. Wachs. Nice photos to. I'd say except for the gray hair you look surprising well for a professor from the 70's. You have hardly aged. Obviously your dear aunt is wearing off on you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures :)
ReplyDelete~RS