I never knew anyone to live to be 102 years old until now. This week my Uncle Bob Henderson will celebrate 102 years living in my hometown, Coggon, Iowa. Although this milestone may not be as well known in Iowa as the Hawkeye Women’s Basketball team, it is a big deal.
People live longer these days. Medical technology has helped. However, the part that is important is not the quantity but the quality of those years. My uncle Bob has had both quality and quantity. I hope others will be so fortunate.
My uncle is my dad’s oldest brother. My dad passed over 9 years ago at the respectable age of almost 92. He had a good life on the farm, too. In a recent article written about Coggon’s oldest resident, Uncle Bob said he has no regrets and “has lived a good life.” Don’t we all hope to make such a statement?
Uncle Bob was a farmer and also worked for most of his adult life in local banking. Before “retirement” he served as the secretary/treasurer of the local school board for 20 years. He has a legacy in Coggon as a volunteer extraordinaire. Small towns often struggle, and Bob did his best to help the community thrive and not just survive. He was a pioneer in the development of the Coggon Betterment Organization as well as the Coggon Historical Society.
This man saw great change in the 100 years since he grew up using only horses for farming. Much has been written about how to live a long and meaningful life. My Uncle Bob could be a model for what is important. In the article he stated, “I have enjoyed people, and I have enjoyed doing things for people.” Bob believes that the secret to life is getting along with one another.
My uncle was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family as well as caring neighbors. He was married for 76 years before his wife passed recently. His two daughters have been by his side. My cousin, Mary, has been a devoted caregiver and moved in with her parents several years ago so they could “age in place.”
I am proud and grateful for my dad’s big brother. I know Uncle Bob will continue to enjoy life and inspire his family and friends. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, “Uncle Bob”!!