Monday, September 27, 2010

Ninety-Seven Years Young

She's an independent and strong lady; she's healthy and vibrant. She's a gardener and puzzle-artist, great-grandmother and still occasionally helps out at her late husband's seed company. She's ninety-seven this month and is the youngest one you'll meet who's that close to one hundred. With a very large family, we all wear name tags to keep track of the ones we lose touch with over the long year between family reunions... but she doesn't forget. She knows every one's name and has little treats labeled with our names each Christmas. Oma is Maria Dam from Holland and she has served the Lord her whole life. We're grateful to be a part of the legacy this woman has created on earth. Happy birthday, Oma. We praise God for your life. (Gratitude #456)

Beautiful, classy lady

reading her cards

457. knowing where you come from (Terry and Oma)

458. for large families

459. for teenagers--cool nieces and nephews

460. for creative people who bring face paints to the celebration
461. for helping cousins

462. for boys who will still get their faces painted--nice look, guys

463. for super-hero excitement

464. for little boys who are just big enough to want to join in the festivities now

465. for a girl who looks for fun everywhere we take her

466. for mothers and daughters and granddaughters and great-granddaughters

467. for sparklers in the Fall

468. for the number 97 being swirled in the air by this sparkler (and I love her hand in the opposite pocket)

469. observing Oma take joy in watching the kids with their sparklers

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31
holy experience

8 comments:

Wanting What I Have said...

How wonderful and precious and special! Oma!!! OH my! She is precious. You are so blessed, Heather!

BTW, we put the song you last posted on our ipods...LOVE it!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to your inspiring and beautiful Oma.
My heart melted when I saw the photos of her outside.
That is love in action .
How blessed you are.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh I want to know your Oma! The sparkler picture is precious and wonderful. IT belongs in a magazine.
This post is so beautiful, really!

sydney ellen said...

Wow, "few people drink the cup of youth." (Anne of Green Gables :)

Camille said...

PRECIOUS!! *Love* this post Heather! She's beautiful!! :)

Blessings,
Camille

Craig and Bethany said...

Oh to age so well. I hope to be like cheese, better with age.

Hats off to you Oma!

Rebecca said...

I call my grandma Oma, too. :) This was a great post!

Traci Michele said...

BEAUTIFUL. WISE. LIFE! AWWWW!

Thank you for sharing. Your Oma is such a delight!

Love,
Traci