40 - Mary Margaret My aunt celebrated her 102nd birthday a few days ago. She is a remarkable woman who, to this day, has a twinkle in her eye and a firm hold on life. She married my uncle in America in the late 60’s and later they came to live in Ireland, building a new home a short distance from where my uncle was born. Following my uncle’s sudden death in 1993, my aunt decided to return to Richmond, Virginia where she lived most of her adult life and, though she visited Ireland over the years, she remained in Richmond until shortly after her 100th birthday, when she came back to Ireland.
Reflection
We had a gathering for her on the occasion of her birthday in the nursing home where she now resides. She looked well but, understandably enough, was maybe a bit confused by some of the events surrounding her day and celebration. On a table in the hallway, there were some photos of her, a card signed by staff and residents of the nursing home and three letters from Áras an Uachtaráin – two signed by Michael D. Higgins and the most recent by our newly elected President, Catherine Connolly. Towards the end of the evening, I asked her: “Mary Margaret, do you know how old you are?” She looked at me, smiled and, shaking her head said “No”. “You are ONE HUNDRED AND TWO!” The figure struck a chord: “Am I?” she said, with a glint in her eye that suggested she was happy with her achievement.
That day, she did more than bring someone to a new house; she offered her a place in her heart”
Mary Margaret lived her life in stories. She entertained countless people with tales of people she met, moments they shared and memories they made. I marvelled at her ability to meet and engage with people. Even the most casual of encounters could lead to a lifetime’s friendship. One example that comes to mind is her pulling in at a filling station to put petrol in her car. She was heading homewards from a long trip and needed to refuel. She spoke to the man who was filling his car on the opposite side of the pump, and the few words took her to offering an invitation, “If ever you are in Richmond, you would be most welcome to call”. Later, he was in Richmond, looked her up, called, and their friendship lasted for decades.
Countless stories like that – another comes to mind of a woman walking down the street carrying a selection of pots and pans. My aunt stopped, asked where she was going, and the lady told her she was moving to a new house. She and her pots and pans were taken into the car, and her new address was arrived at, but that too was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Later, that lady gave her a Greek Icon of Our Lady with the Christ Child, and that little Icon now hangs on a wall in my house. When I see it, I hear Mary Margaret’s car stop, the window going down and asking the lady: “Where are you going?” That day, she did more than bring someone to a new house; she offered her a place in her heart. Countless stories of lives touched, memories made and friendships cherished.
She has a lovely phrase that I try to hold on to, but don’t always manage to live by! She says that “The only difference between an inconvenience and an adventure is attitude”, and there is much truth in that. Maybe that is why I am telling you about her this weekend. Very few of us might reach the 102nd birthday, but all of us can embrace the adventure that is life. Sometimes we will encounter what could be labelled ‘inconvenience’ and deservedly so. Still, according to my aunt, attitude is the key, and it could well become an adventure!
Wishing you that key, wishing all of us that key, that can unlock and make sense of difficult situations. Maybe that’s why The Sermon on the Mount is sometimes called the “BEATITUDES”!!