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My mother, Bea Rasmusson, is 102 and 11/12.  When she turned 101, she told me, "That sounds so old, doesn't it, and I still feel young." 

I asked her what "young" meant to her, and she answered, "Oh, about 60."

Around that time, she seemed to forget all the ways she "thought she was supposed to be" and became HERSELF.

After being very serious and dignified all her life, she was now young at heart for the first time.  She joked about everything, and every visit was filled with laughter.  She began playing the piano again and practically ordered me to sing along with her.  It was so much fun, other residents of her care center would gather near the piano and sing along too.  She'd proudly tell them that she used to play in a band [until she gave it up 70 years ago].  They voted her Valentine Queen.

She always loved BINGO and got everyone there playing it regularly.   One day, Debby, the activity director wanted to start a different activity, but the residents staged a mini-revolt and demanded to BINGO.  My mom was the instigator. 

Unfortunately, now at almost 103, she is declining and is back to her former crabby - but dignified self.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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