June 13, 2011
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NINETY IS AS NINETY DOES
Terry McLaughlin just turned ninety. She is known to her family and friends as Tootsie Belle. For good reason.
She would rather dance than walk.
She would rather laugh than complain.
and
She can do a trumpet rendition of “Sugar Blues” without a trumpet.Her daughter, my friend Irene, celebrated the occasion by throwing a party today.
Irene is a party girl too, joining Tootsie for a trumpetless duet of “Sugar Blues.”
Louis Armstrong would have loved it!
Looking smart in a black and white print top, accessorized with plenty of bling, her hair coiffed and make-up just so, Tootsie reigned serene and supreme. When someone asked the secret of her constant, calm persona, she said:
I JUST GO WITH THE FLOW
Easy you think? Blessed with a great personality? Life has been kind to her?”
NOT ENTIRELY
Tootsie Belle raised ten children alone after she was widowed in her early forties. Her husband traveled a lot after settling his brood on a farm in Connecticut. Tootsie’s a city girl – laughingly she told us how she had no one but her kids to talk to for days, even weeks on end. So she had conversations with the chickens and livestock.
Tootsie is basically rootless, spending time with Irene and her siblings. The amazing thing is how welcome she always is.
It’s not rocket science. Tootsie simply exudes great vibes – sort of like the Pied Piper, people are drawn to her energy, loving to be around her.
After drinks and food – oh, she relishes a good merlot – one of the guests videotaped each of us as we paid individual homage and told highlights of our experiences with Tootsie as an offspring, grandchild or friend.
It would have been great to have a Mom as easy going as Tootsie. Irene’s sister, Christina was sent home from parochial school for not wearing her uniform – Tootsie hadn’t had time to do laundry. Tootsie asked Christina what she was doing at home; after hearing the reason, Tootsie said “Oh well, just stay home.”
In the afterglow of an afternoon sharing such camaraderie and warm fuzzies, I can only say “Amen!” in agreement with whoever observed:
IT’S NOT THE YEARS IN YOUR LIFE; IT’S THE LIFE IN YOUR YEARS!
Comments (2)
I was delighted to read this blog and honored Irene to be one of your ‘subjects’!
You really are gifted with a way with words and I THANK YOU so much for sharing my 90th Birthday party with me!
PS: I think the 1X side of the lighted mirror is more forgiving!!
Thank you xx00
LOve,
TOOTSIE BELLE
I am happy that one day I´d met your mother. She was so lovelly with me and I have good memories of that so rapid but intense encounter. Lots of love for you Irene and her. Angie