98 Years Young

Last Tuesday, Mike's grandpa celebrated his 98th birthday.  All I can say is, "Wow!"  Not only is the man 98 years young, but he is still mentally sharp and super interesting to talk to.  I first met him a little more than 24 years ago, and in retrospect, it's hard to believe he was almost 74 at the time.  Truthfully, he seemed more like 50 to me.  He has obviously been blessed with good genes, but I suspect that clean living has also added to his longevity.  (I'm hoping that genetics are a big part of the equation because I've always hoped that Mike would outlive me.  We shall see.)

I had to work on Tuesday, but I really felt like Mike should spend the day with his grandpa.  So, in my sweetest--well not exactly sweetest, since I don't really do sweet--wifely way, I suggested that Mike drive to Burley to honor the man for whom he was named.  (Mike is Bruce Michael Young, and his grandpa is C. Bruce Young.)  Anyway, I believe my "sweet" approach consisted of, "Honey, you're grandpa's turning 98, and your parents are out of the country.  Don't you think you should find a way to be with him?!"   Mike and I have been married long enough now that he seldom takes offense at my direct approach.  He knows that's simply how I fly. 

Mike has been super busy at work (for about 18 months now), but lo and behold, he discovered that when he told his co-workers that he was going to spend the day with his grandpa to help celebrate his 98th birthday, no one blamed him for taking the day off.  Quite frankly, I think they were all amazed and impressed. 

As I hoped and expected, Mike ended up having a wonderful day with Grandpa and Grandma.  My favorite of his cousins, Mandy, was there with two of her kids when he arrived but soon had to head back to Boise to be home for her oldest when she returned from school.  Uncle Paul and Aunt Susan also had to leave to work at the temple in the afternoon, so Mike got to monopolize Grandma and Grandpa for a good chunk of the day.  They had lunch together--Mike even managed to wheedle their orders from Dairy Queen out of them--and also celebrated with a lemon meringue pie.  When I asked him what they talked about for so long, he replied, "Everything and anything.  I really learned a lot more about them.  It was fun."

Grandpa and Grandma with Paul and Susan; Mandy; and two of her children, Joren and Chloe

I shouldn't have favorites, but I do.  Mandy, my favorite of Mike's cousins, also spent part of the day with her grandparents.  They are two of 25 grandkids.  Grandma and Grandpa also have numerous (80-90?) great-grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters.  Impressive, no?

Sadly, Mike never got to meet his Pratt grandparents.  They passed away before Mike's mom and dad married.  I've always thought it a gift and, in a weird way, compensation that he's enjoyed his Young grandparents for 45+ years.  That said, he really looks forward to meeting Grandma and Grandpa Pratt one day.  I do, too.



I love this cute smile on Grandpa's face and Grandma's little giggle.  They REALLY seemed to enjoy the lemon meringue pie that Paul and Susan brought.  And how many times do you see a "98" on top of birthday pie?

I'm so grateful for the heritage Mike has.  Grandpa Young has lived a rich, productive 98 years and seems bound and determined to hit the century mark.  We are certainly hoping he makes (even exceeds!) his goal.  The great thing is that Grandma is not one whit behind him mentally and is ticking right along at almost 93.  Simply amazing!