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Celebrating A Century . . .
The Reality of 100 Years!
 What's the secret to living a CENTURY?
An Interview with Girtha, who turned '100' years old on Christmas Day, 2007. She is a former plantation worker of seven children. Five living generations going strong.
The reality of life for Girtha these days. Celebrating a Century, 100 years. We recently interviewed Girtha. Today she spends most of her days relaxing in her ‘big chair’ as she calls it. She has no worries these days. Physically she is unable to care for herself, but she quite alert in her mind. She still gets up with assistance and walks to the kitchen table for her meals. She remembers many things from her past, but nowadays she plays cards with her great-grandchildren, writes on the magna-doodle or listens while she is read, danced or sang to.
We sat down for our interview with Girtha to try and find an answer to the question many want to know. On the interview day, the house was full. Girtha was surrounded by five of her great grandchildren, her daughter and a granddaughter.
IOR: Girtha, why is it that you've lived so long, a Century, 100 years? Let's get right to the bottom of it: What's the Secret?
Girtha: (with her speech dragging) Because, I'M A NICE PERSON. (simply said!)
IOR: Girtha, do you think just being nice is all it takes to have a long life?
Girtha: No, but that is the most important. My papa taught me very young in life that if you don't treat people right, your days (life) will be shortened. I've seen so many people who left this world young because of the way they treated others.
IOR: Girtha, reality is, its remarkable these days to live a century. A lot of people don't get to live 100 years these days. What was life like for you growing up?
Girtha: Well, when you look back, I guess you will say it was very hard. But, living through it day to day, you don't look at it being hard. We learned to appreciate everything about it. I worked the cotton fields from sun up to sun down, just to make a dollar. Most of my kids had to do the same.
IOR: What about schooling and education?
Girtha: There was no schooling for me. I had to work and take care of the home when I wasn't working in the field. My children were only able to go to school in the winter when there was no cotton to pick. So we have very little education.
IOR: How were you treated during that time?
Girtha: Well, I seemed to be treated well. My kids say it was because I was a good cook and knew how to do many things that the white folks needed done for them. I think it was because I was just a nice person. But, I've seen some terrible things happen to a lot of other folks. I was around during all the changes between the blacks and whites. I'm just thankful that my family made it through.
IOR: What will you do to celebrate turning 100?
Girtha: We celebrated already. My daughter and granddaughter gave me a great big party in September. They wanted people to be able to come while the weather was good. They had a great big place and so many people came. They sang to me and we ate some good food.
Fortunately for Girtha, she is in good health for someone 100 years old. She has only been hospitalized once when she was about 97, and that was for observation due to her age. Wouldn’t we all like to be able to say the same for ourselves if and when we reach 100 years of age. Then, let’s try ‘being a
NICE PERSON' : )
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