So, the oldest person in the US, Bessie Hendricks, (who was 115) has died. Prior to her passing the shared the “secret” to having a long life. The supercentenarian lived through 21 presidents, the Spanish Influenza, the roaring ’20s, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Vietnam War, Iraq War, Afghanistan war, and Cold War, as well as the coronavirus pandemic.
When she turned 110, Hendricks told the local newspaper that the secret to a long, successful life is “hard work.” (Take note you who refuse to work). A care center administrator where she lived in her later years said on her birthday in 2019. “She appreciates life so much. A strong will and love of family keep Bessie going”.
As one might imagine in our WOKE society, news reports of her life and passing did not mention that Bessie was also active in the Woodlawn Christian Church, where she was a member for 92 years. She had nine grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 42 great-great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-great-grandchildren.
With no major illnesses and only a couple prescription medicines in Hendricks’ daily routine, her physician, Dr. Derek Duncan, of Lake City Iowa, called her his “miracle lady.” She died on January 3rd, 2023, at the age of 115 years, 57 days after testing positive for COVID.
Bessie Hendricks loved her God, and her family. She had a long happy life on an Iowa farm where life was simple and hard work is just an important part of life.
I was thinking about her this morning and the care center administrator saying: “she appreciated life so much”. The question of why she appreciated it so much, begs to be answered. She worked hard but wasn’t even close to being wealthy. She wasn’t part of the jet set or on the cover of some tabloid, or even a member of an elite country club. Her main vice was eating her sweets. LOL
She loved her simple lifestyle and most importantly she loved God and family and was content just being herself, Bessie Hendricks, a former schoolteacher in an old country school living a modest but incredibly rewarding life.
So many people throughout the world want the happiness she had but sadly look in the wrong places. Her riches never showed up on a portfolio and Forbes had no interest in her, but God blessed her more than Solomon in all his glory. She loved and was loved. Who could ask for more than that?
I wish I could have met her, but I take heart in knowing that I might run into her in heaven and thank her for warming my heart in this cold world.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!