Breakfast Tea (And Sometimes Afternoon) With Betsy

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Betsy is a petite woman of 92; she still drives, cooks all her own meals, grocery shops and makes stuffed cabbage for everyone in the neighborhood. Betsy has 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; they all love her dearly and visit her often. During the week her youngest son stops every single day for an early dinner before he goes to volunteer his time at senior centers. Saying that she raised her kids right is an understatement. When I first came home from the hospital it was Betsy that came to my house and brushed my hair, always telling me that nothing is impossible and in a voice barely above a whisper she would say, "God never gives us more than what we can handle". For weeks she would come to my house, unpack a tea service and make tea. She knew that I always (always) had biscuits or sweets for tea so she took over the kitchen for an hour or so. She would usually arrive around ten in the morning and stay for about an hour. Every day she would carry her bag from her house to mine, never once complaining about the snow, wind or cold. Occasionally she would have a few great-grandchildren with her, the girls loved the idea of having tea with adults and of course the cupcakes, doughnuts or tea biscuits were a perk for them. Earlier there was a knock at the door and I was greeted by a young man with an extremely familiar plate in his hands. Another one of my dinner dishes had been returned. "My great-grandmother sent this over" and he was all smiles because he knew the rule she had about never giving anyone an empty plate. On it were eight stuffed cabbages. Of course there was another container with extra sauerkraut that she'd made with the juice from the stuffed cabbage. Tomorrow we'll be having tea with one of Betsy's sisters (Henrietta or as everyone calls her, Rita) who is 94 and is just as spry as Betsy. They both have a passion for cutting coupons and dressing up their cats for holidays. Neither Mr. Whiskers or Mr. Sour Puss really love the idea of being dressed up like Cupid for Valentine's Day but they know a sweet gig when they see it. Those cats are pampered and loved so they roll their feline eyes and tolerate it. Betsy will be having a birthday next month and wants everyone to get together at her house for a huge meal. The whole point of a birthday dinner is to sit back and enjoy it, not work all day cooking it then serving everyone. But that's just how Betsy is, as long as there is a clean spot on your plate there's room in your belly for more. Since I have to use crutches for the next four weeks I am pretty much still stuck at home so having people come to visit, even for an hour or so, is a welcome break from the mind-numbing monotony. As far as the birthday dinner, I might have to use a wheelchair for that because I don't want to risk falling or putting too much pressure on my leg. I am completely in awe of what these two crazy ladies (and the rest of their family) do to stay active and in good health. They have an occasional beer, eat a lot of red meat and love their sweets but when I ask them how they are so healthy and active at their age they tell me their secret, "Moderation and church". Amen to that! Do you know any super active seniors? Is longevity something that runs in your family? Do you think older generations have better genetics?