Today is a Verrrry Special Day
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On Dec. 8th, 1922, Alexandra was born to Genia and Isaac Rosenberg in a location unknown (it’s known, but she doesn’t talk about it).
Years later, she would meet a man, Carmel, have 2 children, one of whom was Ruth who would then go on to have 3 children, one of whom is me (Fun fact: Carmel is my middle name and is named after my grandfather).
In other words, my grandmother, Alexandra, turns 100 years old today!!!!!!!!
A verrrrry special day indeed.
I am lucky enough to be with her, in Israel, celebrating along with my mom.
She lives alone, doesn’t want any outside help, and is still funny as a whip. She had whiskey in her coffee for breakfast, wine with lunch and eats butter like it’s going out of style. Her short-term memory isn’t the best, nor is her hearing, but for 100 years old, she is nothing short of a miracle.
I keep thinking about these 100 years that she’s been alive. 2 world wars, countless other wars (especially living in Israel), the invention of vaccines (when she was born people still died from TB), invention of the TV, Commercial planes, and the technical revolution from computers to phones, to AI.
She still uses a landline if at all, and has no idea what an iPhone is, let alone any of the social media platforms. She doesn’t even use email although there was a time she did.
She repeats over and over again “I’m such a blessed old woman” in her strong French accent (she grew up in Paris). She loves that she’s able to live alone, in a beautiful flat, and she doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. Even she can’t believe she’s 100.
Being here, I’m reminded that health and the people around you are the most important things in life.
A couple things I’ve learned from her over the years:
Always drink beer from a glass
always wash your hands after you come in from inside
A few years ago, as she was putting butter on her bread (her favorite thing to eat) she said “my Dr.s told me not to eat so much butter. (beat) but I buried all of my Dr.s”. It’s one of my favorite stories about her.
In a couple hours, we will have some cake and champagne and celebrate my grandmother who is so special to me. To everyone who knows her.
She truly is a living legend and I feel like a blessed woman to be with her today. Her life story is fascinating and I wish I could share more.
Have a drink in her honor today. I know I am! “to 100 more!”
L’chaim!
All my love,
Dana
In the comments below, share a favorite saying or something you learned from an elder or loved one. Would love to hear how people you care about affected your life.
