HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!!

One of the greatest challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the inability for us to closely interact with loved ones. Family visits separated by windows or videocalls with friends help keep our connections alive and are our best means of satiating the need to be with the people that are most important to us. This month, my family was supposed to gather to celebrate my Grandma’s 100th birthday, and as hard as it is, we know the best thing we can do is keep our distance. Mary Louise O'Brien was born in Toronto to Irene and Michael O'Brien on June 12, 1920. She is the eldest of 5 sisters, Nora, Edna, Monica and Margaret, and grew up in a home on Vaughan Rd. In 1940, she married James Forrest and had 3 children, Brian, Linda and Patricia, who married Lone, Jack and Glenn respectively. Grandma's family continued to grow and she is now the matriarch to 7 grandchildren (David and Greg Forrest, Kyle Grayson, Michael and Peter Johnson, Mary-Anne Hart and John Castellarin) and 13 greatgrandchildren (Kristie, Jessica and Sarah Forrest, Elle Grayson, Jacob, Nolan, Hailey, Liam, Kennedy and Cameron Johnson and Charlotte, Matthew and William Hart). While our family often recalls gingerbread houses and bid euchre when thinking about Grandma, what resonates strongest is how she has always stood as a model for a strong-work ethic and kind heart. She has also been immensely generous, exemplified best during a family-famous dinner in 2007. She loves the Jays, McDonald's, and getting her nails done and she looks absolutely stunning in blue. A long-time subscriber to the Toronto Star, she emphasized for all of us the importance of keeping current and the benefits of sudoku puzzles. As to what has helped her live such a long and rewarding life, I’m not sure she would vouch for voracious exercise and diligent eating, but I can guarantee she would recommend all good things in moderation with a healthy dose of shortbread, and the occasional trip to Florida to escape the winter freeze. Since moving from her home in Scarborough, my grandma has lived in the Gibson House, an assisted living residence in North York and more recently in long-term care at Cummer Lodge. While at the Gibson House she lived with her sisters Nora and Edna and ate with them every day. Despite having moved in her nineties twice, she has always integrated herself in her surroundings and made a positive impression on her fellow residents and those entrusted with her care. In ordinary times, the grace and professionalism of my Grandma’s caregivers means so much to both her and our family. In light of the current circumstances, words can’t describe their kindness and devotion, and we are immensely grateful for their sacrifices and commitment to care for the most dependent in our communities. My grandmother could not have experienced the quality of life that she has without her caregivers, and although good genes are a factor (each of her sisters lived until over 90!), the kindness of those responsible with her care cannot be overemphasized. All that to say, Grandma, we hope you have a wonderful 100th birthday and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.