Happy Birthday Rae – 99 Years Young!
Posted by Mary on Aug 10, 2009 in Life Lessons | 4 comments
Rae Celebrating Life
My friend Nancy sent me a photo and letter from her mother Rae who will be celebrating a birthday on Friday, August 14th; she will be 99 years young. Rae wrote a letter to friends and family in July and I’m including her thoughts on life and turning 99 years old. “If you’d like to send Rae a birthday wish I’ve included her address below.”
Dear Friends and Family,
It’s been quite some time since I’ve written so thought I’d drop a quick line to update you on the latest scoop!
I’m now living at Heritage Park, a senior living healthcare facility in Bradenton, FL. Although life is challenging withmy poor eyesight, they certainly keep me busy here withthe various activities that I attend throughout the day. On weekends, Sue and/or Nancy and I get a chance to visit and go out to lunch. My favorite place to go is Cracker Barrel for pecan pancakes with maple syrup and a side of bacon… perhaps not the healthiest thing to eat, but at 98 years old, who the heck cares?
With my 99th birthday coming up in August, I find myself reflecting on the events that occurred during my life.
When I was born,
- William Taft was President.
- Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity when I was 5.
- I was 10 when women received the right to vote.
- Lindbergh did the first trans-Atlantic flight when I was 17
- Television came on the scene when I was 18.
- Prohibition was going on between ages 8 through 23 (thank goodness that ended because I do appreciate a good martini)!
- I’ve outlived Mother Teresa (also born in 1910) by 12 years.
Well, that’s it for now, I would love to hear from you!
Love,
Rae Gaida
202 Sherwood Drive
Bradenton, FL 34210-4516
Rae lived and worked in Duluth, MN as a school teacher, an executive secretary and later managed the credit department of Harcourt Brace publishing company. She has two adult daughters Sue and Nancy and two grandchildren; Michael is in the Air Force and plans to be married to Shannon Kelly next June and granddaughter Trisha will be moving from Seattle to Minnesota to finish her degree in environmental sciences at Bemidji State University
Happy Birthday Rae!
Love,
Mary
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Mary Chapa is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing leadership, quality management and business development in both health care and private industry; she's also a writer and a passionate holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
GO MOM! I love you. Your #1 daughter, Sue
Rae,
I am a friend of your daughter Nancy. I have heard so much about you over the years from Larry & Nancy as well as Doug & Cheryl. You sound like my kind of lady (like the martini comment
99 is going to look real good on your resume! Have a super birthday! It was fun reading about you on Mary’s blog!
Best Wishes,
Michelle Ye
Chaska, MN
Rae, you look fabulous and I can only hope to age as gracefully as you have – even Mother Teresa would notice and be impressed. Your life is an inspiration to all of us “life learners.” I celebrate you, your graciousness, your love of knowledge – your life! Have a wonderful 99th year!
Regards,
Mary Swartz
Another Happy Fabulous Birthday Rae! I have so enjoyed spending time with you the past few years. You are an inspiration in living life. You have always lived large and embraced every moment. You should be proud of all that you have accomplished and the amazing girls that you raised – a true testament to your heart and soul. Enjoy your 99th year — you truly deserve to celebrate every single day! Love ya – Cheryl Hill