94 Years (almost) and Still Loving Life!

I went to visit my Baba today (for those of my friends unfamiliar with the Ukrainian language, Baba means Grandmother). She is 93 years old – turning 94 next month. I swear – she doesn’t look day over 85! Every time I tell her that she just giggles like a little girl, touches my hand and then gives me a look that only Baba can give – Michael, you should know better!

Baba’s voice and her manner of speaking have changed since I last saw her in November 2008 – I came home to Ottawa to anoint her as her health was failing. She bounced back. But these recent changes have revealed how much she has aged in the last little while. She puts on the image of being strong – all so that we will not think of her age.

She revels in the fact that she is now the matriarch of the family – and she blesses each of us with the sign of the Cross when we depart (she is a good and noble sovereign). She is a woman of prayer – my mother, her only surviving child, calls her a prayer warrior. Some of the staff at the nursing home ask why Baba has lived so long. Answers such as daily vitamins, keeping the window open at night for a little fresh air, taking a nap or two a day, etc. are readily available for consideration. But I have to agree with my own mom – Baba is a woman of prayer – one woman that the Lord in His infinite wisdom has decided to keep around. Who knows for whom she prays – that is known only to our Lord and Baba’s own heart. I am humbled and grateful that I am included in those prayers.

This photo above was taken today – June 5, 2009 – a mere 34 days before her 94th birthday!