Let's talk about Age. I wrote about Emma Morano a few years ago and the example she set for getting the most out of the years we are given on Earth. She had a positive attitude toward life, had devoted friends, and loved her pets. She died on April 15, 2017, at age 117. Until she was 115 she didn't have any live-in caregivers.

She cooked her own meals, usually cooking pasta and ground beef, along with eggs and chicken, and along with homemade brandy. A strong will to live, curiosity, and an interest in the world around her were the driving forces in her long and happy life. More about Ms. Morana in a moment, but first we hear a lot speculation about reasons for longevity. A recent study done on 100 seniors, ages 100+, showed that those who were exposed to positive words, such as "creative", "love," and "faith" were in fact physically stronger than those exposed to negative words. This study also showed that people in this category don't feel old. In fact they say that they feel decades younger. The quality and quantity of one's social relationships is not only linked to mental health, but also to longevity. Now back to Emma Morano.

She worked on having positive relationships, successfully dealing with stress, staying busy, and having goals in life. She celebrated her last birthday by doing what many people do. She blew out candles, received gifts, and basked in the attention of well-wishers. It was her 117th birthday, and she was very happy and alert. Some of the festivities were broadcast live, followed by newspaper articles celebrating her life. Journalists, photographers, relatives and friends crowded into her tiny 2-bedroom apartment in Pallanza, a picturesque Italian town on the Piedmont shore.

This was to be her last birthday, but it was a great one. Birthday greetings came from school children who sent poster-sized cards, a host of town officials, and President Sergio Mattarella, as well as some greetings from abroad. Ms. Morano did have some trials in life, such as the death of her only child in 1937, but she persevered. At her birthday her doctor of many years said that he felt that one of the reasons for her long life was that she truly cared for others, who in turn cared for her. And then he said, "The secret is in growing old with people who love you." I believe that Ms. Morano lived the words of that old Carter Family song, "Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life." AMEN!

Now to close with this: A man drives to the local mall. He drives around and around for quite some time, struggling to find a parking space. "Lord," he prays, "I can't stand this. If you will open a space up for me, I promise to give up drinking and go to Mass every Sunday." Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot. Without hesitation the man says, "Never mind, found one!" Have a WONDERFUL day!