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WITH COUPON. NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS PLEASE MENTION COUPON OFFER WHEN ORDERING Exp. Feb 15/17 WITH COUPON. NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS PLEASE MENTION COUPON OFFER WHEN ORDERING Exp. Feb 15/17 14 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 CITY LIFE As I inch closer and clos-er to becoming a mem-ber of the half-century club, I think I've fi nally fi gured out what I want to be when I get older. Or rather, who I want to be like. Her name is Anita. She's an 86-year-old Waterloo resident I first had the pleasuring of meeting at Pearson Interna- tional Airport during the holi- day rush last December. She was about to get on a airplane for the fi rst time in 23 years. Anita and I were headed to the same sunny locale, and were introduced while waiting at our gate. A relative parked her wheelchair near my seat, and the conversation began. Th anks to a two-hour fl ight delay, our morning departure switched to afternoon, making it acceptable to continue our chat over a glass of wine. What I immediately liked about Anita was the kindness and gratitude evident behind her big smile. She was humble and con- siderate, and showed an obvi- ous appreciation for those around her. That twinkle in her eye told me she was also a gal who liked to have a little fun. Along with her two daugh- ters, Anita was traveling with her grandchildren, four of the finest young adults you'll ever meet. Al l of them are from Waterloo. They called her Nanny, and it wasn't long before other guests and the resort sta� did too. "Morning, Granny!" "Save me a dance tonight, Grandma!" The name varied slightly, but the sentiment was the same. Anita became the life of the party, not by behaving outlandishly, but by remind- ing us how lucky we were to be enjoying that particular moment in our lives. When the dancing started, she'd wave you off in a man- ner that seemed to say, "You go ahead. I'm just fine right here." She wasn't fooling any- one, though. The minute someone wheeled her to the dance floor, her arms would start moving to the rhythm. While lounging on the beach, while seated for a meal, while watching the evening entertainment -- wherever Anita went, folks wanted to meet her. It was obvious she was truly grateful for all of the gifts life had given her -- a beauti- ful family, special moments to cherish, good food. Th e occasional exotic drink didn't seem to hurt, either. I know Anita didn't set out to teach anyone any life les- sons while vacationing down there in Curaçao, but she did just the same by her mere presence. Have fun. Enjoy life while you can. Stay humble. Smile often. Be thankful. I want to thank Anita's family for sharing their beloved Nanny during their family holiday. I know I speak for the many others who's lives she touched during that trip when I say we are truly grateful to have had the chance to meet her. My only hope is that some- day I can rise above my fear of singing in public and belt out "Fergalicious" during a kara- oke night as well as she did. ••• A marketing manager and freelance writer based in Waterloo, Penny Walford regularly runs on about life at www.Stuck4Words.com. Borrowed grandmother teaches us all how to live life to the fullest PENNY WALFORD MY TWO CENTS Meet Pluto. This two- year-old cat is available for adoption at the K-W Humane Society. He is a shy guy but once he warms up to you he will be your best friend. To meet Pluto, or other pets available for adoption, visit the K-W Humane Society at 250 Riverbend Dr., in Kitchener, or call 519-745-5615. SUBMITTED PHOTO Find WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY FinFind WITHINWITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY Local Events www.waterloochronicle.ca