Turning 98

This weekend, my family came to town, which was nice. They hadn't been to Searcy in a long time, and I was glad they came for a visit. Saturday, we went over to Missouri for my Great-Grandfather's 98th Birthday party. I think he's well on target to reach 100. I was talking with my cousin-in-law, Matt, and we agreed that we should take an inventory of some of the cool things we ought to do when we reach 98.

Granddaddy Adams is the most laid back person on the planet, and has been for decades. Every year, he doesn't even feel like coming down for his birthday party. Upon opening his presents, he said, "What am I going to do with all this junk?" He refused to blow out the candles, but did agree to pose as if he was blowing on them. The best part had to do with that diet coke in front of him. They served him his cake first, and gave him the coke, and then he picked it up, took a big swig of it, slammed it down on the table, and let a loud, confident sigh, "AAaaaahhhhhhh."

He's hilarious, but I'm not sure whether he always intends to be or not. Carolina and I sat down with him and talked a little. I don't really know what you talk to a 98-year-old person about. I know his TV is always on, but when I asked what he likes to watch, he said that he just has it on so there's a picture to look at, and sounds to listen to, but he doesn't care about any of it.

It is really striking that he has lived for this long, and has so few health problems. He's done nothing hardly for decades besides watch TV and eat junk food. I know many a person who's spent countless hours worrying about their diet and exercising regularly, but has died long before they reached 98.

Since my parents were at church, I began my sermon this morning by mentioning their presence, and telling everyone that my great-grandfather had just turned 98. Not thinking about what I was saying, I followed that with, "I've often wondered if any of those good genes got passed down to me. I guess most of you will never know." At any rate, since this blog is the closest thing I keep to a diary, here's a solid record of 4 generations of Adams men.