We marked the occasion with balloons and cake, and with lots of laughter. Most of the cousins who lived within driving distance were able to be there. And frankly, it was good to all be together in the same place for some reason other than a funeral! Some friends from Anne's church stopped by, along with her former pastor, now retired. Her current pastor had stopped by earlier in the day.
The nursing home where Anne resides (and where she is the oldest resident!) asked what special foods she would like for her birthday. She selected shrimp cocktail and she-crab soup from a local restaurant, so that was served to her for lunch. The nursing home had also asked if there was anything she is no longer able to do that she would like to do just one more time. She said she wishes she could go swimming! So tomorrow she is being taken to the YMCA in Spartanburg to swim! They had planned to take her on Friday, but Anne refused to go, saying that if something went wrong she didn't want her birthday party to turn into a funeral!
Obviously she still has a sense of humor. She is no longer able to see, and her hearing is almost completely gone. But her mind is as sharp as ever.
For many years Anne taught English and Literature at Winthrop College, now Winthrop University, her alma mater (and mine). Many of her former students still think of her as one of the best teachers they ever had. Certainly she had a reputation on the Winthrop campus. I often heard it said during my years at Winthrop that she was appropriately named......that Miss Sevier was indeed severe! She definitely was a demanding teacher and had high expectations of her students.
And in character, she expected each of us on Saturday to sit in the chair next to her and give account of what we have been doing with ourselves. Sitting directly next to her is necessary since the little hearing she still has is only in the left ear, and even then, speaking very loudly is required!
As I mentioned, Anne's mind is as sharp as ever. One of the highlights of the day for me was hearing her quote (accurately, I might add) portions of one of her favorite poems, Rabbi Ben Ezra, by her favorite poet, Robert Browning. It was an appropriate selection for the day. Here's a snippet:
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which
the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith "A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust
God: see all, nor be afraid!''
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