100 Years – And Still Counting

 

On August 26, 2023, we were privileged to attend the 100^th birthday party for my Aunt Evelyn in Reno, NV. Our daughter, Kim, flew out from Texas to join us. Thank goodness, because she did about 60% of the driving to and from.

We were there last year for Aunt Evelyn’s 99^th birthday, and what a joy to share her 100th with her.

The party was a surprise, and my cousin, Karen, and her twin sister, Kathy, managed to pull it off. It was held at an art gallery and catered by a terrific restaurant.

They told her we were coming to meet them for dinner, but she certainly didn’t expect to see the approximately 60 guests who were assembled.

All of my surviving cousins on my mom’s side came, and several of their kids were there, too.

My aunt and uncle used to live in San Mateo, CA, and several of Aunt Evie’s friends from there attended. It says quite a bit about her that so many people came so far to celebrate her life.

We all enjoyed a wonderful meal and lots of conversation, sharing memories.

Aunt Evie and Uncle Frank were wonderful ballroom dancers. For years, they took a lesson once a week and then went dancing another night. Several of the younger members of their dance group attended the party.

The highlight of the evening for me was when one of the dancers took my aunt out onto the floor and waltzed her around. Her face just glowed.

All-in-all, it was a joyous celebration of a life well-lived.

On Monday, we went to visit her on her actual birthday. She was still excited about her party, and several of those who had attended had stopped by to see her before they left town.

The next morning, we got back on the road toward home early. Several landslides from the recent storm had blocked the road, causing a reduction to one lane. The traffic in one direction was allowed to pass. Then it stopped, and the traffic going the other direction could go. In addition, construction trucks and other vehicles were loading dirt and rocks and conveying them away. This delayed the trip several times.

We reached home that night, tired but so grateful for having been able to share this very special occasion with my aunt.

The video of all the party pictures is on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpdvosivxBk&t=2s

And here’s a video I made with photos from her life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2bmrqtAaKo&t=1s

Enjoy!