After I delivered last week's Warm Thoughts column, I walked to the post office. At the counter stood someone receiving a parcel - it was for her 90th birthday that day. I stood there in amazement and deep in thought as she drove away, alone, on the icy streets. I thought, "Here's a lady who understands what celebrating life each day really means. She lives every day of her life." In the mail that day came a letter from a longtime friend and reader of Warm Thoughts. She related about how her family and friends gave her a warm reception on her 80th birthday. She shared with me one of the readings her daughter read, and I feel you too, will enjoy these warm thoughts.

"Today, dear Lord, I'm 80 and there's much I haven't done. I hope dear Lord you'll let me live until I'm 81. But then if I haven't finished all I want to do, would you let me stay awhile until I'm 82? So many places I want to go, so very much to see. Do you think that you could manage to make it 83? The world is changing very fast, there is so much in store. I'd like it very much to live until I'm 84. And if, by then, I'm still alive, I'd like to stay till 85. More planes will be up in the air, so I'd really like a stick and see what happens to the world when I turn 86. I know dear Lord, it's much to ask and it must be nice in heaven, but I'd really like to stay until I'm 87. I know by then I won't be fast and sometimes will be late, but it would be so pleasant to be around at 88. I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time, so I'm sure that I'd be willing to leave at the age of 89...maybe. Just one more thing I'd like to say, dear Lord, I thank you kindly. But if it's okay with you, I'd love to live past 90!"

More Warm Thoughts: Life is a gift. Life is what we make it - always has been, always will be. Grandma Moses. Celebrate each day of your life.

Warm Thoughts from Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

Published in the Marion Record January 29th, 1998.

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Till next time,

Trina