If I’m lucky enough to make it to a hundred, I plan to buy a ticket into space. I’m certain a trip will be available then. For Mary Hardison of Ogden, Utah, she decided to paraglide into her 101st birthday. I think women get more powerful when the get older. Either that, or fear dissipates as we get older and we care little about what people think.
When she turned 90, Mary “rode all of the adult rides at Disneyland to celebrate…” The best part of this story is she is surrounded by family and they embrace her chutzpah. According to the AP story, her daughter-in-law wasn’t so sure about her choice, “My first reaction was she was nuts,” said daughter-in-law Bonnie Hardison. “But everyone is just so excited and thinks this record is great.”
The AP reporter made sure to get the secret to Mary’s longevity and family ties, “Be positive. Friends don’t like a grumpy person.”
Some elderly people don’t have families like Mary Hardison. If this story inspires you, think about reaching out to your local retirement home or nursing home and ask about adopting a grandparent. Loneliness is heartbreaking and the best part is you can learn a lot from people who have lived though this historic time.
Think about connecting with a GRANDFRIEND. They may not be as adventurous as Mary, but you may find your life gets better and you are the one who gets adopted.
