Can you imagine? Think of the experiences you'd have from the year 1918.
You would've been born before the Empire State Building was built. You'd have lived through the Great Depression, Prohibition, World War II, First man in space...Can you begin to think of the stories you'd have?
My Mom's entire side of the family is from New Jersey. I spent my life traveling from Ohio to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ to find myself surrounded by the greatest amounts of big, fun, Jersey Love complete with countless hugs, squished cheeks and the strongest accents that to this day, make my heart smile.
My Grandpa was the oldest of four, having three younger sisters. Two of which are still with us, Aunt Dottie and Aunt Eleanor with Aunt Eleanor, just turning one hundred years old.
My parents, Adam and I gathered our North Carolina kids into the car and I began to prep. "This is a whole different world. You have a huge family you're about to see, but your "Yes Ma'ams and No Sirs" might get a few strange looks. Also, it might be hard to keep up with the speed of conversation - especially with an accent you're not used to."
They nodded in nervous excitement and we were off.
The party was wonderful. Aunt Eleanor's daughter, Judy, Granddaughter, Rachel and son, Bobby along with several others put on a celebration to beat the band. The family and food were beyond compare and taking it all in - the best memories from the past flooded back.
Aunt Eleanor was stunning. At 100 years old, she was as royal as a Queen. Sharp as a tack and as kind and Wonderful as my childhood days remember. Giving her secret to a long life, she stated it took good faith, good family and friends - along with a healthy lifestyle - always taking her vitamins.
You would've been born before the Empire State Building was built. You'd have lived through the Great Depression, Prohibition, World War II, First man in space...Can you begin to think of the stories you'd have?
My Mom's entire side of the family is from New Jersey. I spent my life traveling from Ohio to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ to find myself surrounded by the greatest amounts of big, fun, Jersey Love complete with countless hugs, squished cheeks and the strongest accents that to this day, make my heart smile.
My Grandpa was the oldest of four, having three younger sisters. Two of which are still with us, Aunt Dottie and Aunt Eleanor with Aunt Eleanor, just turning one hundred years old.
My parents, Adam and I gathered our North Carolina kids into the car and I began to prep. "This is a whole different world. You have a huge family you're about to see, but your "Yes Ma'ams and No Sirs" might get a few strange looks. Also, it might be hard to keep up with the speed of conversation - especially with an accent you're not used to."
They nodded in nervous excitement and we were off.
The party was wonderful. Aunt Eleanor's daughter, Judy, Granddaughter, Rachel and son, Bobby along with several others put on a celebration to beat the band. The family and food were beyond compare and taking it all in - the best memories from the past flooded back.
Aunt Eleanor was stunning. At 100 years old, she was as royal as a Queen. Sharp as a tack and as kind and Wonderful as my childhood days remember. Giving her secret to a long life, she stated it took good faith, good family and friends - along with a healthy lifestyle - always taking her vitamins.
It was an amazing time with an even more Amazing person. Aunt Eleanor epitomizes the definition of a Beautiful person inside and out with such a wonderful life and I'm thankful to be lucky enough to be in her family.
Driving home, a quick stop to the "shore" was a must as the kids soaked in the summer salty air with sand between their toes.
Driving home, a quick stop to the "shore" was a must as the kids soaked in the summer salty air with sand between their toes.
Piling back in the car, I couldn't wait to hear their thoughts about it all. On and on they went about the people they met, family, different foods and how their Great, Great Aunt Eleanor was so nice and pretty.
That's when our youngest son chimed in, "You know, everything was great, but there was only one thing." My parents, Adam and I looked back at him...
"The sweet tea in New Jersey sure doesn't taste the same."
Happiest 100th Birthday to the Fabulous, Aunt Eleanor. You're Sweeter than all the tea in the world.
That's when our youngest son chimed in, "You know, everything was great, but there was only one thing." My parents, Adam and I looked back at him...
"The sweet tea in New Jersey sure doesn't taste the same."
Happiest 100th Birthday to the Fabulous, Aunt Eleanor. You're Sweeter than all the tea in the world.
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