We recently celebrated my brother-in-laws retirement from the movie industry at a gala where he received a lifetime achievement award in Costuming, surrounded by family, friends ~ and a lot of well-dressed peers.As we sat together at table, he proudly pointed out this one and that one he'd worked with over the years, telling a little about each. One gentleman had been the personal costumer to John Wayne, another was well known for her exquisite hand sewing.
And then there was Magdalena ~ sitting majestically across the room with her husband. She was tall and thin, and had a beautiful smile, and he mentioned she still made all of her own clothes. He went on to tell that she had, as a child, been in a concentration camp.
But the most astonishing thing was to learn she had recently competed in the Senior Olympics in SEVEN categories; including the 50 meter dash, the 100 meter dash, and the shot put! And that she had won the triple jump!!After the awards and picture-taking, Magdalena made her way over to our table to offer her congratulations. She was introduced around, and when she was about to leave I whispered in her ear, "may I ask how old you are?" She smiled warmly and said, "Oh, I'm always happy to tell. I'm 81".
And for that reason, meeting Magdalena is my favorite thing this week.
Counting My Blessings,
xo Susy
I'm hopping, not jumping, over to
Claudia's at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for
This entire post was fun to read! What an amazing career your brother in law had...so glad you shared his accomplishments. I was impressed with Magdalena's sewing skills...her talent in the Olympics are almost too hard to belive. i think she should be everyone's favorite thing this week. (o:
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! I have a shirttail relative that was/is (?) a fashion designer out there
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story! That would be my favorite thing of the week too. What a beautiful woman!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an inspiration she is! Congrats to your BIL. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteWhat a remarkable woman! I can see why you count it as a highlight of your week to have met her. She sure wears a beautiful smile.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations to your brother-in-law on his retirement. I'm sure that we'd be equally impressed to know of his accomplishments.
Oh my goodness, how inspiring she is! What an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteAnd I complain of an aching back! This woman puts me to shame!
Thanks so much for joining in this week, Susy!
xo
Claudia
How amazing is Magdalena! I'm really proud of her, and of your b-i-l for his years of wonderful service. Glad y'all had fun at the party. Mary
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing about your magical evening . I want to be like Magdalena.
ReplyDeleteSmiles,Dottie
What an inspiring and amazing person! I can see why meeting her would be highlight!
ReplyDeleteI turned 64 on Friday and celebrated (after my students threw me a surprise party & played When I'm Sixty-Four) by swimming 1/2 mile and playing tennis. My mom's sister turned 88 today and she still kayaks regularly. I plan to follow in her footsteps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about Magalena and making my 64 years seem like nothing.
Love this post, Susy--so interesting!
ReplyDeleteMagdalena is beautiful--so glad you wrote about her and congratulations to your brother-in-law--what an accomplishment.
Hope your Thanksgiving is richly blessed sweet friend!
Now, you know me... You know I would have loved meeting Magdalena! Oh, the stories she has tucked behind that beautiful smile! What an experience you had! Definitely worthy of favorite!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
KJ
here's to jumping when we're eighty!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great lady. I was of course impressed she still makes her own clothes, but her physical acheivements at her age are awe inspiring. Sounds like a fun evening. I can't believe you have a BIL in the movie industry. Congrats to him...what an honor and accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat story Susy! Sounds like it was quite an evening! Happy Thanksgiving!
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