Random Thoughts: Birthday celebration might include horseback riding
Do you remember the Delany sisters? Several years ago they wrote a book about their lives. They were 100 years old at the time. They were black and single. Bessie, the youngest, was a dentist in New York. She was the feisty one. Sarah was more quiet, but she too had a career. She was an English teacher in a white high school. Their book was called "I've Had My Say," and it became a bestseller. Even a movie was made of it. Bessie died and Sarah wrote a book, "On My Own at 107." In it she talks to Bessie about their long lives together and how she misses her. It is such a poignant memoir. Now Sarah has died and their estate was auctioned off, even their home. They had many valuable antiques.
My story is different. I still have two younger sisters, Margie and Betty, and they are here to help me celebrate my 102nd. In fact, all my children and grandchildren will gather to help celebrate. One of my granddaughters and her husband have a lovely, big country home near McPherson and we plan to meet there. Maybe I'll even go horseback riding!
I have finished reading "Team of Rivals," by Goodwin. It really is a wonderful book, so well written, with personal stories of all the people surrounding Lincoln. Especially the men in his cabinet after his election. Even in last Sunday's Salina paper there was a write-up about Lincoln and the little girl who suggested he wear a beard. He even wrote her in his own handwriting concerning the idea. He really was a great man. One of my idols.
I'm so glad the school bond went over and congratulations to the new councilmen.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
