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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ZEST (10/01/15)
My incredible Aunt Gabby (her real name is Gladys, but her 5 nieces, including me, could not pronounce her real name when we were young, so now 50+ years later we still call her by the same childhood "handle". After a lifetime of living on her own terms, she is now relegated to a wheelchair and living in an assisted living facility.

What a model she has been to me in how to live a life with zest!
She was a dark haired, blue eyed beauty in her younger days and always fashionably dressed. She never, ever, went without her makeup artistically applied and hair perfectly coiffed.

When she was in her 80s, my sister invited her to their lake house to spend a weekend boating. She came down the stairs to everyone dressed in t-shirts and shorts sporting a brand new nautical looking outfit that would have put QEII passengers to shame!

She has always been absolutely fearless in living life her on her own terms, regardless of what others might think or to any consequences.
Soon after beginning her golden years, she decided she needed a new car. Not just any car, mind you. It had to be a red sports car with spoilers!

When someone was abusive to her younger siblings, she stepped in and with a strong spirit that made her 4'11" frame appear gargantuan put a stop to it.

Her attitude has etched a place into the deepest part of my being, more than any words ever spoken.

Last March, friends and family gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. She has a form of dementia now. Some might be very saddened to see her in this state, but when I look at her (manicured nails, full makeup and every hair in place), a smile comes to my face because some things never change. That great big smile, exposing her still pearly white teeth, convey the same determination to live life with zest all the days of our lives.

Non-fiction
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This article has been read 475 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Judy Sauer 
10/08/15
What a lovely story of your aunt. Reminds me of my 92 year old Aunt Angie. Same spunk. You paint a good picture. Some punctuations issues though. Check out Jan's Writing Basics on the Forums. Keep writing. Very enjoyable.
Judy Sauer 
10/08/15
I meant to add that not everyone knows what QE II stands for.

You could have written "the Queen Elizabeth II ocean liner" and others would know what you were referencing.
Pat Small
10/08/15
In the first paragraph, you put a parenthesis, but never did close it.

It was a touching anecdote.
Lynn Smith
10/09/15
Thanks for sharing your story about your aunt. Very encouraging for those who might be nervous about growing old.

All the best.
C D Swanson 
10/10/15
Aunt Gabby, what a grand lady! I loved this piece, thank you for sharing this with us.

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/15/15
Congratulations on ranking 2nd in your level and 19 overall. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.