How to Live Past 90 with Passion

February 22nd, 2008 · 6 Comments

My grandfather died yesterday at 91. He was vigorous, in every sense of the word, almost to the very end. My boyfriend asked me how he did it. So I thought about that.

How to Live Past 90 with Passion
As Lived by Nick Nickerson (1917-2008)

1. Be a cowboy. Ramble, explore, and gidyap, always with a vast horizon. My grandfather was both a real cowboy, in his youth on Oregon ranches, and a cowboy in spirit.

2. Love long and well. My grandparents were married 50 years. When my grandmother passed, my grandfather reunited with his pre-War sweetheart, also widowed, and shared 12 good years with her. He was a devoted father to four, and loved his friends like brothers.

3. Dance. My grandfather loved to dance. In fact, he was always active. He walked, he swam, he rode. He was a fit man.

4. Give back. My grandfather was an ordained Episcopal priest, though his career was in university administration. He offered council to many young people through career, volunteer work and ministry.

5. Be lucky. My grandfather dodged bullets in Papau New Guinea jungles in WWII. He met my grandmother via a “dear soldier” letter that found its way to his hands during the war, and won the money for her wedding ring in a craps game.

6. Live deliberately. It took my grandfather many years and many jobs to discover his professional calling, and he didn’t stop until he found it. Later, when my grandparents set out to retire, they got in an RV and pledged not to stop until they had found their perfect respite. They found it among Hill Country wildflowers. My grandfather died with only the regret that he couldn’t have another lifetime of adventures.

Tags: Health News

6 responses so far ↓

1 alphabeticalseed // Feb 23, 2008 at 8:34 am

inspirational, thank you!

I like the idea that once widowed your granfather went back to the woman he was together with 50 years before! Make me want to call my ex…

Maybe this is not such a good idea…

thanks for the tips
R
2 Sara // Feb 24, 2008 at 9:41 pm

Just wait until you’re 80, R. Then you should be safe! :-)
3 Kendra // Feb 25, 2008 at 10:28 pm

Sara,

What a fantastic story about your grandfather and the way in which he lived his life. My condolscenes but hopefully you will get a little comfort from such beautiful memories.

K
4 Melissa H. // Feb 26, 2008 at 12:22 am

Oh Sara, what a beautiful homage to your grandfather… I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but it sure does sound like he lived a most enriching life and we can all learn from him and how he did it. Sending many thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ..
5 Nancy O // Feb 26, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Oh Sara, that was just beautiful…. I also would like to express my sympathy to you and your family. Your grandpa seemed to have lived a wonderful life.
6 Melissa G // Feb 26, 2008 at 8:22 pm

Well, it seems Grandpa’s influence is living on in your lucky, dancing, giving soul. I’m adopting him posthumously as part of my family as well, from your descriptions I just love him too much not to. My Opa-in-law actually sounds very similar, and also went back to his pre-War sweetheart after being widowed. Let’s hope our generation and those after skip the war and just love the sweethearts!