Lois Lucille McNair Van der Leun
This weekend my entire family is gathering from all points of the compass near and far to celebrate my mother's 100th birthday. And yes she lives independently, has all her faculties, and remains, through the grace of God, hale and hearty.
Regular commenting on the state of the wider -- and much more insane world -- will resume on Monday.
In the meantime I would like to thank all of those who were kind enough and thoughtful enough and generous enough to donate to this page. I am very, very grateful to all of you.
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
Gerard,
You're blessed with her.
Thanks for sharing some sunshine with us.
Posted by: chasmatic at November 21, 2014 11:40 PMHappy Birthday to your mother, Gerard.
May she have more time on this Earth to enjoy the company of her friends and family.
Hale Adams
Pikesville, People's still-mostly-Democratic Republic of Maryland
Happy birthday!
Posted by: John Farrier at November 22, 2014 5:35 AMSuch times she has known in such a long life.
You and all her kin are truly blessed to have had her this long - and old enough to know what you are seeing when you see her. Precious...
Love your blog, btw.
Posted by: barbacat at November 22, 2014 5:45 AMSto Lat
Posted by: Fat Man at November 22, 2014 6:25 AMWishing your fabulous mother a delightful birthday surrounded by her extended family. She's a great example of staying 'forever young'. What a life and what a lady! Have fun.
Posted by: Dinah at November 22, 2014 6:56 AMOh, enjoy!!!
Posted by: Leslie at November 22, 2014 7:28 AMShe's a good mom. You should keep her as long as you can. Blessings on her 100th birthday!
You're a lucky man, Gerard.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Van der Leun!
Posted by: Rob De Witt at November 22, 2014 8:03 AMA very happy birthday to your mother. This weekend is very special. Enjoy it to the hilt.
Posted by: Jimmy J. at November 22, 2014 8:11 AMHappiest of birthdays to your mother! My wife and I went down to San Diego a month ago to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday in a large friends-and-family gathering at her church; like your mom, she's still active and independent.
Posted by: bfwebster at November 22, 2014 9:02 AMWhat a fortunate blessing for you to experience this, a most grand occasion. I look forward to a full report.
Posted by: Mizz E at November 22, 2014 9:56 AMA noble visage, for certain. In my wife's family - which is mine, too, of course, at least for these purposes - we're up to 92 and still counting after some recent heart valve replacement surgery. Remarkable people, remarkable durability and resilience. A lovely occasion for you and yours.
Posted by: Everyman at November 22, 2014 10:08 AMHappy Birthday, Mrs. V.
Posted by: leelu at November 22, 2014 10:10 AMHow wonderful! I hope she is having a fantastic birthday!
Posted by: Julie at November 22, 2014 10:14 AMHappy birthday to your mother Gerard. And wishing many more to come.
Posted by: Terry at November 22, 2014 10:30 AMTime flies.
Glad to see that she has come around the circle, yet one more time.
vimeo . com/16808063#t=3m28s
(I've finally gotten to hear both your voices - always wondered about that, too. :) )
Posted by: Cond011 at November 22, 2014 11:35 AMMr Vander Luen
Don't forget to tell her you love her. I'm sure you will.
She is the one who gave you "the name on stone". She loved you before you were aware. Love endures all things, even the parting from the circles of this world, the path we will all take too soon.
God be with her, and with you too.
Posted by: David at November 22, 2014 12:49 PMHappiest of days to your mother!
Posted by: missred at November 22, 2014 2:41 PMAwww! She looks GREAT and you are so very fortunate. Happy Birthday to your Mama!
Posted by: Mary in OH at November 22, 2014 2:57 PMI showed the video to a couple of family members and asked them to guess your mother's age. One said 85 and the other said 75. Both were surprised. You are a blessed man to have such a vibrant mother.
Posted by: Jewel at November 22, 2014 4:14 PMTake just pride, Gerard, and broadcast your love. Can anyone seriously,and with any pretense to intellectual honesty, look at her face, at its burnished intelligent beauty, honed with tears and smiles and deep fathomed vicissitudes,and believe this is a product of a universe of chance? Here is one created and put at risk in the universe; one aware of grace (and graciousness)and of the possibilities,the infinite possibilities of the soul. Great is your fortune. Happy Birthday and God Bless your Mom.
Posted by: Ralph Kinney Bennett at November 22, 2014 7:02 PMI don't know when the video was taken, but if I had to guess I would have said she's between 75 and 80 years old. Certainly no older than 85. If she's 99 or 100 in that video then I'm really surprised. She has led a very healthy lifestyle and she has good genes.
Posted by: D S Craft at November 22, 2014 7:38 PMSweet times! I love her elegant hands and the way her face relaxes so readily towards amusement. 100 ... delightful! (What are your 100 favorite things about her as a mom? Bet the list will practically create itself.)
Posted by: DeAnn at November 22, 2014 9:38 PM"I don't know when the video was taken,...."
It was taken in early 2013 == 98/99.
Posted by: vanderleun at November 23, 2014 12:26 AMThank you, Gerard's mom, for gifting the world with such as he. May you be blessed beyond measure and enjoy many happy returns of the day!
Gerard, you chose your mother wisely. Good job.
Posted by: Joan of Argghh! at November 23, 2014 10:08 AMThis brings tears to my eyes. How blessed are you and she. Amazing. But I would expect no less. The Gods have smiled upon you. Cherish each and every moment. May you live long, long, long and prosper. You are a treasure! The apple does not fall far from the tree. Happy Birthday to your mom and may she have many, many more.
Sending love!
Posted by: NLMoss at November 23, 2014 3:23 PMHappy 100th Birthday to your Mom!
God bless you snd your family.
The face of Grace.
The rest of the world falls into place.
Blessings,
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated to combat spam and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.
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