'Celebrating life'
ZELIENOPLE — At Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community, 172 residents are more than 90 years old.
Seventy residents are more than 95 years old.
And seven residents are more than 100 years old.
These centenarians and their 95-year-old-or-older neighbors were celebrated late last month.
Emma Nesbitt is the oldest resident at age 104. She'll be 105 years old in May and estimates she moved into Lutheran Senior Life about 18 years ago.
“She's the queen,” said Sharon Whaler, Lutheran Senior Life's technology coordinator. “She's just such a sweetheart.”
Nesbitt used to work for New Brighton Tubeworks, a job that took up much of her time.
“(I) threaded tubes, among other things,” she said.
Nesbitt lived in College Hill where she raised seven children — six girls and a boy. She didn't have much free time when she was younger. But now, she enjoys music — when she can hear it.
“Love it,” Nesbitt said. “I like all kinds.”
She noted her favorite music is “good music.” When she was younger, Nesbitt's favorite dance partner was her husband, Al.“We did all kinds of dancing,” Nesbitt said. “My husband was a good dancer, better than me.”Nesbitt likes playing bean bag toss, bingo and dominoes with her neighbors and friends.“But I can't see the dominoes now,” she explained.Laura Roy, executive director of Passavant Community, spoke to visitors and residents during the ceremony. Roy said she's a grandmother and faces the idea of growing old herself.“Old age is a gift,” Roy said. “Truly a gift.”Speaking as a grandmother, Roy urged visitors and residents at the celebration to appreciate their age. As an aging adult, Roy quipped she has no qualms wearing comfy clothes, sleeping as long as she wants and eating dessert.Nesbitt's own guilty pleasure: Lays baked potato chips.“I think society has such a negative stigma about growing older,” Roy said. “I appreciate things so much more (now).”Nesbitt likes being outdoors. She particularly enjoys soaking up the sun, according to Whaler.“She is joyful and joy-filled,” Whaler said.
Ninety-seven-year-old resident Dolores Fruth shared one of her greatest bits of wisdom: Be happy.“If you smile, it helps,” Fruth said.Fruth is a published poet who presented some of her work during the celebration. She began writing at the age of 7. Her first poem was about her baby sister.“I wrote poems as soon as I could write,” Fruth said. “I've been writing ever since.”Fruth encourages people to have a “joyful and spiritual life,” which she herself strives to lead. She reserves most of her poems for the people close to her.“My poems are more personal for the people I'm with,” Fruth said.Nesbitt also understands the importance of fostering close relationships.“Life is no good without friends,” Nesbitt said.“Just be happy,” advised 101-year-old Irene Gewolb.
Originally from Chicago, Gewolb's two favorite things to do are resting and getting a good night's sleep. She also enjoys beauty.“I like beautiful background or classical music,” Gewolb said, adding that she always attends musical programs put on in the Passavant Community.Roy wants others to see the residents for the active and wise people they are.“We have such an incredible opportunity every day,” Roy said. “Nobody's slowing down.”Each resident received a gift during the ceremony, a suncatcher in the shape of the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is an international spiritual symbol of energy, good health and a bright future.“Think about the life experiences you've had,” Roy said. “Your perspective changes.”Roy led a toast of the celebrants, using sparking cider, so no one was left out.“I want people to see the beauty of (these residents),” Roy said. “Not everybody makes it.”“This has turned out to be a much better day than anticipated,” Gewolb said. “This is a beautiful party.”
The evening of my life has come.I feel an awesome glow.My goal is now the mountain topTo view the scene below.I see the branches of a tree.They symbolize my life.Branches of joy amidst the painHelp me to forget the strife.I'm just a little out of breathAs I reach the mountain crest.My life is full of joy and loveAnd I am truly blessed.The hues of a sunset fade from viewIt is not time for sorrow.The dawn will come, I will rejoice,As I greet a new tomorrow.The mountaintop of life is richWith memories galore.I now walk hand in hand with God.How could I ask for more?Dolores Fruth
