An inspirational 105-year-old lady

Public Forum:

As I contemplate what wonderous changes that have occurred during my lifetime, I can't help wondering about the many changes that must have been seen or experienced by Edna Brown, who celebrated her monumental 105th birthday on Oct. 29.

Edna, formerly of Greenfield, was born in 1904, so the changes she has seen are many. With today's faced-paced technology, you would think she might be bewildered, but I'm not so sure of that.

She is still a member of our Greenfield Golden Agers Club, where she plays a good game of sheepshead, and doesn't like to miss any of our club meetings.

Edna has led a very active and fulfilling life, outliving two husbands and having worked in the patent department of Allis-Chalmers. I was surprised to find out she bowled until she was 85 and drove her own car until she was 99. She lived in her own apartment until she was 104, until a few medical mishaps forced her to move in with her son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Jennifer.

She's very keen of mind and memory and is such an inspiration to us all.

So when I'm feeling too old to do something, I think of Edna, who just puts one foot in front of the other and does things. I'm sure she is also an encouragement to other seniors to get moving. (If it is activities they seek, all they have to do is check out the many programs offered by the Greenfield Parks and Recreation people.)

I want to personally wish Edna a special 105th birthday, complete with special memories as she is surrounded by family and friends, plus happiness throughout the coming year.

Beverly Almquist

Greenfield