Saturday, November 12, 2011

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

by June Shaw

During this time, I am thankful for my faith, family, and friends. And for all readers who care about the work I love to do.

I remember and give thanks for my mom, who moved on to celebrate with others in heaven two years ago. She danced till the end. And I am fortunate enough to have written a book about her that just came out called NORA 102 1/2: A Lesson on Aging Well. While not a mystery in the usual sense, the way she lived her life, mainly during her senior years, had almost everyone who met her say, "You're my mentor. I want to be just like you."

An ordinary woman in most ways, Mom lived to be over 102--and never had a headache. Ever. She didn't have pains and started dating after she was seventy. Her mother waited up for her to come in the house and wouldn't give her a house key.

Mom took one pill a day. When she was in her mid-nineties, a man asked what it was for. She said, "Birth control."

So I was extremely lucky. I was the daughter. In the book about her, I tried to unravel clues as to how she became such a vibrant woman.

I hope you and yours have cause to celebrate and also give thanks this season.

9 comments:

Mark W. Danielson said...

Wealth is not determined by your wallet, but rather your friends, and for those I also give thanks.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Your mom was a very special gal, as was mine. We have a lot to be thankful for.

June Shaw said...

Yes, Mark and Jean, you are both right. Our friends and family give us cause for gratitude.

Earl Staggs said...

June, I wish I'd had the opportunity to meet your mom. She sounds totally delightful. I'll have to read your book to learn the secret to Aging Well.

Jaden Terrell said...

What a remarkable woman. You were lucky to have each other. Like Earl, I need to read that book. Much as I'm kicking and screaming to deny it, I'm aging; I could use a book to show me how to do it well.

Jaden Terrell said...

June, could you give us a link to the book? Thanks!

June Shaw said...

Guys, thanks for asking for a link to the book about Mom. Sorry I didn't think to write it. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/NORA-102-Lesson-Aging-Well/dp/1466382708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321205119&sr=8-1

Susan Santangelo said...

June, now I know why you're such a special woman. It's in your genes!

June Shaw said...

Thanks, Susan