Aunt Ruth Turns 92!

I just got off the phone with my great-aunt Ruth. Today is her 92nd birthday and she sounds just as happy and healthy as ever. She is truly an amazing woman. Dad and I are flying out to Kansas City on Friday to celebrate her birthday and have an early Thanksgiving with her.

Aunt Ruth is my grandpa's (my father's father's) sister. She and I traveled to Alaska together in the summer of 2006 when she was 90 and I had a tough time keeping up with her. The trip was with a senior citizens group and she was the oldest by about 20 years and I was the youngest by about 20 years. It was a ton of fun!

Read my previous posts about Aunt Ruth and my travel journals from our trip to Alaska.

Happy birthday, Aunt Ruth!

We love you and can't wait to see you!

P.S. -- Here are just a few of the many life lessons I've learned from Aunt Ruth:

1. Know and accept your limitations, but don’t let them stop you from doing things. Find ways to work around them.
2. Read your Bible every day and go to church on Sundays.
3. Always love and be loyal to your family.
4. Don’t be afraid of voicing your opinion.
5. Take naps every day.
6. Rest when you’re tired.
7. Eat when you’re hungry.
8. Take the initiative to get in touch with loved ones.
9. Stay interested in current affairs.
10. Love your country.
11. Never stop giving of yourself – be generous with your time, your money, and your talents.
12. Manage your money wisely. Be generous to others, set some aside for saving, cover your expenses, and use it to enjoy yourself.
13. Stay interested in the people and the world around you.
14. Make friends wherever you go.
15. Take initiative to meet others.
16. Practice hospitality and enjoy the hospitality of others.
17. Never stop exploring.
18. Take delight in new experiences.
19. Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do.
20. Take interest in the hopes and dreams of others.
21. Remember the past with fondness, live today to the fullest, and look forward to the future with eager anticipation.
22. Always keep a good sense of humor.
23. Take life as it comes to you.
24. Never stop learning.
25. Take your vitamins.
26. Always set goals for yourself so you have something to look forward to in the future.
27. Eat a little peanut butter every day.