by Georgie Bright Kunkel

       Since we use the decimal system it is considered a real accomplishment to live to be a centenarian. I don’t know anyone personally who is 100 but that is soon to change.

My late husband’s oldest friend who used to live here in West Seattle is celebrating her 100th birthday in just a few days. I may even pick up some tips

for celebrating my own 100th birthday which I will celebrate in just a few years. My friend lives in a care center in California near to her only offspring who is there for her whenever she is needed. I feel very fortunate that I have three grown children who are looking out for me. But I feel as if our former roles are being reversed these days. Gone are the days when I used to be the parent looking out for them.  Now they are attempting to look out for me.

        My eyesight isn’t up to my daughter’s standards because she thinks I need help in picking out the clothes for this occasion. I never buy new clothes anymore.  After all, I can still wear all the clothes that I have accumulated since I  became an adult. This will give me the chance to gussy up, as they say, and put my best foot forward.

    I had decided that I never wanted to travel anymore but I will have to travel big time to get to southern California. It is nice having two daughters who are both travel agents. They will take care of all my arrangements.   My old friend and I communicate by phone often. She has always  been a great conversationalist.  I could take lessons from her on how to reach out and put everyone at ease. Even though she is confined to a wheel chair, that doesn’t keep her from getting out into the world  as often as possible. She still loves to go to the horse races. I can’t wait to celebrate with her and  will pick up some tips on how to celebrate when I reach 100 myself.

    One of my concerns is what present to bring for such a momentous occasion. I will need to decide on that very soon.  What does one give to a centenarian who is confined to a wheel chair? Certainly I could provide funds for her daughter to take her out to dinner or to a day at the races. I will soon be there with her and will be able to decide after talking with her for a while.

    When I think of the times we had together when she lived in West Seattle it brings me back to the days when my offspring were young. I once taught her daughter how to play the piano. I inherited my mother’s piano many years ago and appreciate being able to play it whenever I feel like it. I play by ear, as they say. Our whole family is music oriented.

My oldest brother met his wife when they both sang in a chorus in Seattle many years ago. He had a voice that could not be ignored. Since he left home before I was born he seemed to be more like a distant uncle to me rather than my brother. The story is that he charmed the women with his marvelous baritone singing voice.

    I look back on my life and the memories that I have of my family, all of my siblings now gone. I brag that now I can tell my stories and there is no one left to dispute any of the stories that I tell. Soon my extended family will gather for a potluck in my hometown of Chehalis, Washington.    Yes, family is important to me. I could never understand family feuds since my family members have always kept in touch with little hint of anger or misunderstanding. Hope it stays that way.