She's Kind of a Big Deal!

Today is a very special day for my family as it is my Grandmother's birthday!

Happy 100th Birthday!

This past weekend we celebrated Tillie Dybing's life as she joined a very special club:  The Centenarians.  That’s right, my grandmother turned 100 years old!  According to US Census 2010 data, there are approximately 55,000 US centenarians.  In a world of seven billion, I’d say she's a pretty big deal!!!

The world was a completely different place when she was born.  Think of it this way - she has lived an entire century.  So, in honor of my grandmother, let’s take a look back at what she’s experienced these past 100 years.

My children are often surprised to realize cell phones didn’t exist when I was a child… they are perplexed by the idea of a phone being attached to the wall and can’t imagine a life without a remote control for the TV.

But imagine this…Grandma has lived through six wars, the introduction of plumbing and automobiles, to the first man on the moon. She saw major advancements in medicine such as the polio vaccine, bone marrow, lung or heart transplants.

Some folks would wonder just what my Grandma thinks of all the changes that have happened since she was born. I guarantee you that she doesn't spend much time thinking about it. I think, that's one of the secrets to her longevity. My Grandma is an optimist, she’s always laughing, always smiling, and always talking. I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen her in a bad mood!

Still, my Grandma is as self-sufficient a person as you could hope to find for her age. She wouldn't have it any other way. Up until a few years ago, she was still driving around Minot, ND so she could continue to volunteer at the local hospital. But driving in North Dakota winters presents additional challenges.  There were several days she could be found pushing her battery operated snow blower down the driveway just so she could get to the hospital for her volunteer work. 

My grandmother has 1 son, 1 daughter , 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren: That’s 337 years of life that wouldn’t be without her.

The Dybing Family

 

So today, I raise my glass to a remarkable woman.  We will celebrate her life, happiness, and family. Tillie is a mother, grandmother, great grandmother. A friend to many, and someone with much to be proud of.  Happy 100th Birthday Grandma!