I hope you have people in your life of all ages. My younger friends–those just beginning their journeys as newlyweds or new careerists–give me so much hope for our future. They have fresh ideas, infectious enthusiasm, and amazing creativity. My friends who are a bit further along–running carpools and advancing in their professional lives–inspire me with their energy and desire to make a difference.
People around my age are my committed friends, there for the long-haul no matter what that looks like. Understanding where I am in life, they encourage me, challenge me, and accept me as I am (no easy task!)
Then, there are my older friends. What treasure! They offer wisdom, insight, and experience. They are invaluable to me.
This is a picture of my friend Eva Howerton when she was younger.
A Golden Friend
One of those friends is Eva Howerton. She was beautiful when she was younger, but I think she’s even prettier now, as a 92-year-old. She greets me with a joyful smile and positivity every week when I see her and her husband, Judge Bill Howerton, at church. I could spend days asking her questions, but I limited myself to four.
Take a minute to listen in on our conversation…
Me: What would your advice to your younger self be?
Eva: To keep a journal. There are many reasons for keeping one but my focus would be on recording important events in my family. It would also be nice to record when you see God act in your life. This can be very encouraging. We don’t think about it when we are young, but memory does fade with time.
Here’s a priceless photo taken of Eva and her great granddaughter, Clementine Sophia Blinkhorn, Christmas 2021. Clementine turned 1 in May.
Greatest Achievement
Me: What’s been your greatest achievement?
Eva: I would say that my children are my greatest achievement. I am very proud of them. They are hardworking, honest, responsible, loving, and kind. They are the joy of my life and I thank God for them. (Her children are Kurt Grumbach, Kim Blinkhorn, and Eric Grumbach. John Howerton, Jane Smittkamp, and Clay Howerton are her stepchildren. She has five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.)
Me: Who inspires you?
Eva: My husband and my children inspire me. They have strengths in areas where I am weak. My mother was my greatest inspiration. She was a godly woman and was always quoting the Bible to us. Honesty was a favorite topic of hers and she tried to instill it in all of us. I had seven siblings and my mother sacrificed for all of us, putting our needs ahead of hers. She was a true servant and a very hard worker. She found time to help neighbors even though she had her own large family to care for. Her favorite Bible quote was Matthew 10:42, shortened to “whoever gives a cup of cold water to these little ones will not lose his reward.” I think she interpreted that as helping others. I thank my God for her.
Here’s her whole family–I can see why she counts them as her greatest achievement, can’t you?
Positive Changes
Me: What is the most positive thing you have seen in your lifetime?
Eva: Technology. Inventions that have made life easier for everyone are too numerous to name. Some of the most common ones are the television, cell phones, and the internet. Although they have their disadvantages, there are many advantages. The cell phone makes communication so much easier and the television and internet are both great for entertainment and education. I am now having fun with “Alexa”–having her turn my lights on and off, play the music I like, and getting information I could get on my computer, but faster.
I Want to Know More
Eva Howerton is a remarkable woman and we would all do well to aim for her upbeat attitude and active lifestyle. She’s ninety-two! Can you believe it?! I know!!
Are you as fortunate as I am and have 90-year-old friends? I could have asked a bazillion questions–What is your earliest memory? What did you like to do when you were a child/teenager? What was your first house like?What were some of your favorite books/movies/songs when you were growing up? What was school like for you?
What would you ask? Leave your questions in the comments.
Cathy Hancock
Love this!! Eva is beautiful inside and out!! What a joy to count her as my friend!!
Tracey Buchanan
It’s a blessing to know her!