When Mrs. Hale arrives for a visit I know there will be energy and joy to spare. I ask after her mother and she tells how she moved in with her because, “Doc, 97 year old people just fall over too much so I have to keep propping her up!” 80 year old Mrs. Hale is the youngster and full of vitality. “Sorry I’m late, with school and everything”. I commiserate that it is difficult to navigate Jacksonville with the traffic and buses.

“Oh no, Doc, I am late because I have a job as a crossing guard! I go to my post at 7:30 AM and again at 2:30 PM and I just love it. The kids are great, I am watching them grow up and they keep me young!” This is really awesome. “I feel as if I am playing. I laugh, tell them how smart they look and get lots of hugs”.

Mrs. Hale found a way to have recess late in life. “You know I didn’t make it past middle school. We lived on a farm so I had to work and never got an education. It makes me feel real good to see these little ones so happy to go to class and to tell my mom everyday that I have to leave for school!”

She will likely live a long life, as her mother is doing, especially if she stays active. Mrs. Hale has a quick laugh, is young at heart and has stories to share. She reminds us that age is a state of mind. What a blessing for the children to see her smiling supportive face each morning. She is impacting their lives with her encouragement. This octogenarian found a way to boost her own immune system without chemo or doctors. She is smarter than most and schooling us all!