My Mom's Amazing 98 year old cousin

by Anita Manley
(Newburgh, NY )

I had the pleasure of taking my mother’s 98 year old cousin out for lunch while we were vacationing in Boston recently. Celia (Stineman) is totally with it! She has a memory like a strong box and is completely aware of everything that’s going on in politics, her family and her life and she has the most positive attitude I’ve ever seen. She’s living in a very nice assisted living facility south of Boston, (which she loves, especially the food!) participates in all the activities, takes the bus to Walmart and the local mall, plays bridge twice a week with her former neighbors (who pick her up and bring her to the condo complex where she used to live), has even had a “boyfriend” ("He even wanted to kiss me, imagine that!" she says.)and goes out to her favorite restaurant with friends and relatives. (Speaking of that restaurant, there is a steep stairway in front of the restaurant that Celia can climb a lot faster than I can even with her cane! No, she won't take the ramp!)She also carries her cell phone everywhere and we try to talk and catch up at least a couple of times a month.
I can only hope I look and feel as good - if I can make it to 98!