The Centennial Gal

Pauline Haskins 1/7/1917 - 4/19/2020

Ya'll.... this gal could cut a rug. She could dance a mean Charleston. She could whip up a meal that would change your life. I can taste her chicken and dumplings now. They made you want to slap your momma! She could tell you exactly how the Great Depression affected her and her brothers and sisters. Her mother died in childbirth when she was only 13 and they all banded together to raise each other. You can learn a lot from a gal who has lived 103 years. Likely her mantra would be "this too shall pass". World Wars, economic strain, illness, disease, tragedy,...it's unimaginable. Not many people can say that they had 37 years with their GREAT grandmother. I mean what are the odds?! With that said, Pauline Haskins needed her name in lights somewhere. Yes, my great grandmother was 103 years old! I want you to drink that in for a second. She was born January 7, 1917 and lived though eighteen presidents, the loss of all her siblings and her husband, had 3 of her own girls, 6 grandchildren, 17 great grand children, and 9 great great grandchildren. Also, might I add this isn't her first pandemic. She also lived through the Spanish flu! It's incredible the things she must have seen, felt, and endured. And so, with countless memories and a thousand delicious meals later, my great grandmother went home to be with Jesus today. She was an integral part of our family and meant a lot to myself and everyone that crossed her path. She was witty, fun, loving, kind, and the BEST cook!! She had the biggest heart for her family imaginable. It's what carried her through the past 103 years... that BIG love. She gave everything she could willingly and without a second thought. It's hard to say goodbye but we know with our faith in Christ it's simply "see you later". As we reminisce on how big she loved us it gives me great joy to know what she must of seen today as she left this world behind. It was her time to see how much she is loved and to bask in the glory of her savior. And to that I say, rest easy grandma.I know you are mighty happy to be home.

“It's what carried her through the past 103 years, that BIG Love"....

Creating lasting memories with elderly family members

Having an elderly family member at this time of social distancing can be daunting. Often, it can put a great deal of strain and loneliness on the hearts of those loved ones who aren't able to communicate virtually. A great way to show your love is have your children take the time to write a friendly letter. This lost art means a lot to those family members who used this as a primary form of communication so many years ago. Showing them you care through a hand written letter gives them a sentimental feeling of things of the past. In addition, it shows you took the time to think of them. I don't know any greater gift than the gift of time. I hope you will consider this activity for your entire family this week. After all, we don't know when these loaned loved ones will be called home and we want them to know they are a valued part of our hearts and our families!