Ora Bolin Watson left this earth at age ninety-six in 2006, departing from Columbia, Mississippi. Yet her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren believe wholeheartedly that she didn’t leave them.
How strongly do we still feel her presence? Well, strongly enough to carry out a promise we made to her when we celebrated her 90th birthday, along with some of her best friends. A memorable conversation took place that evening with the family.
“How long do you want to live?” we asked her lightheartedly. “To 100?”
“Not quite,” she responded. “Think I’ll settle for 99.”
After chuckling, we continued: “Guess what. We’re going to celebrate your 100th birthday big-time. Hope you show up.”
Ora laughed the hearty laugh we had become accustomed to through decades of her zestful life.
Four years prior to her promised 100th birthday party, Ora Watson succumbed to an illness that had kept her confined for more than two years. Amazingly—and yet typically—she never complained about her discomfort, nor about her declining condition. Her bouncy sense of humor did not fade at all.
As her 100th birthday approached on July 20, 2010, we kept the phone lines busy (from Gainesville, Georgia to Savannah, Georgia and to Columbia, South Carolina) planning a celebration of her life. We agreed we could do that best by engaging in fun activities she would have enjoyed in her younger years.
With pink being her favorite color, we ordered a lovely bouquet of pink roses for the dining room table—which we set with the finest tablecloth and silverware. After our Friday dinner, we enjoyed a huge birthday cake, decorated with tasty pink roses, inscribed: “Happy Birthday, Mopmee.” Mopmee, you see, was the name her grandchildren called her as soon as they started talking. And they never stopped referring to her that way.
Then the nostalgic celebration of her life and legacy began, as we looked at picture albums, shared stories about her, and watched videos of family occasions and visits that included her.
However, our celebration became very active, too, as Mopmee would have wanted. On Saturday afternoon, the seven of us who had gathered for her 100th birthday drove from Gainesville to nearby Helen, Georgia, and then spent more than two hours tubing down the river. Believe us, this was not a lazy outing. In addition to encountering the challenge of rapids and rocks, we endured a brief thunderstorm halfway through our tubing venture. Bet she was laughing hard when the storm surprised us.
Sunday included another festive outing, this one much fancier. We attended “Phantom of the Opera” at the fabulous Fox Theater in nearby Atlanta. Throughout the performance, we thought about how Mopmee would have enjoyed the magnificent scenery, the stirring music, the compelling story—and just being with us.
Make no mistake, please. Her 100th birthday tugged heavily at our hearts. We missed her dearly. We thought about how much family always meant to her. We remembered her unselfish life of service, while she taught in the Columbia public schools and remained active in civic clubs and in her beloved First United Methodist Church. Sure, we had moments of moist eyes, even tears. That’s natural, and a clear signal that love between us remains strong.
Even so, joy filled our family get-together on her behalf. We talked about the funniest experiences about her that each of us treasured. We cherished the good time we had while tubing and then attending a splendid stage performance the next day.
So, you see, Ora Watson really did participate in her 100th birthday party—quite vivaciously– just as we had invited her to do in 2006.
We thank her for taking a few hours away from her beloved “Watt” (her longtime earthly mate, now her celestial mate) who probably said something like, “Yeah, go ahead. After all, they invited you and you can bet they expect you to show up.”
Why have we shared our very personal story with you? Because one day you will face an important family milestone—birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s, or anniversary—that revolves around a loved one whose hand you can no longer hold physically. When that happens, we encourage you to give your grief its proper expression. And then move ahead to joyfully celebrate all the good things about this person that enriched your life beyond description, both then and now.
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What a wonderful story! These people that live to be in their 90’s and the 100, truly experienced hard work and hard times. We have no idea now how much our parents and grandparents did and experienced in all their lives here on earth. Never as children did we see the little things they taught us and bought us, that they were so excited to share with us. This story is remarkable and definately makes you think. Thanks for sharng Bill.
Sandra and I appreciate your warm words, so very much. You are right that our parents and grandparents worked on our behalf, far more than we can know. She was a fine lady, and we were blessed with her life. We appreciate your endorsement of her remarkable story.
Hi William the Conquerer of Conflict…Pinner here again and what a moving, amusing memory of Mopmee! Many of us as we get longer in the tooth can certainly relate our stories of those dear ones who have passed on…NOT LOST…as I KNOW where they are! I gently remind those who say, “I lost my husband or wife or…by reminding them that they are not lost as you know where they are and while I don’t mean to sound so moralizing or pontificating Bill, it does seem to make a difference and I truly feel that way as my faith dictates. Oh, didn’t realize how important another Columbia played in your wonderful life! Of course, there’s only one REAL Columbia! The one just down the road from Blythewood, donchaknow! Trust and demand that all is well in LamptonLand. Warmest regards and sympathy to your bride of more than 50! Remember, always be aware of your background when taping. Don’t have things coming out of your head. Think more warm and subtle. Joy and Agape’…Joseph…the often picky one
Joe, I love to hear from my favorite broadcaster–you!
We’re glad you enjoyed Sandra’s Mopmee story. And I so agree with what you tell friends about their “lost” relatives. My parents are truly with me every day, though they left this earth three decades ago.
Thx for the background advice. I give communication coaching. . .and I accept it from someone who has the grand track record you do.
Media wise, I am having a great time hosting my weekly interview radio show on the Brenau station, and being a guest weekly on the commercial station.
Shoot par this weekend. . .or better!