80 Never Looked so Good

One of the few gifts that I can remember receiving when I was a little girl was a lipstick holder. This lipstick holder was special because I was still at the age of dreaming of wearing makeup and so I couldn’t wait for the day that I could wear lipstick and put it in the holder. I put it to good use with my chapstick that I insisted on having because that was the closest thing to makeup that my mom would let me wear. Another reason why I remember that gift is because it came from someone special. Sister Bowers was an elderly woman and she lived in a tiny house on her daughters’s property. She was old enough that I felt like her children were my grandparents age. My family spent a lot of time visiting her and I loved going over to her house and seeing all her trinkets and having her tell stories of her life. She was beautiful. She gave me the lipstick holder that was hers when she was a young woman. She has since passed, but one can never forget her beautiful smile and grace that she always carried with her. We have been given a wonderful opportunity to become friends with another woman that reminds me of my former neighbor friend.

Miss Mattie is the definition of "classy" and I still can’t get over the fact that each Sunday she has freshly painted nails and lipstick on her lips. Mattie is the most optimistic and forward looking person that I have ever met. She has mentioned a few things to us of her past and there are things that have happened to her that most individuals would have a hard time letting go of, but she has only allowed them to make her stronger. This past year has been rough for her health but she has never stopped smiling and laughing. We are fortunate enough to take her to and from church and the Sundays she is not able to make it, we feel like someone is missing in our family while we are in Sacrament meeting. She really has become part of our little family.

I love picking up Miss Mattie for church because I have the greatest view. I will sit in the back seat so it is easier for Mattie to get in and out of the Rusty-Trusty Sentra and then I usually just sit back and enjoy what happens in front of me. Mr. Bluth and Mattie are quite a combo and I wish I could properly capture the two of them sitting together and chatting away. They love to discuss sports and anything that has been on the news. Mattie is in love with Mr. Bluth, and I completely understand why. Some of my favorite comments from Mattie to Mr. Bluth include: “You sure do look handsome in that suit” and “Now, what happened to your glasses… well you still look good.” She is faithful, hard working, and loves everyone she meets and we are just honored to get to see and talk with her almost every week.

At the beginning of July, her grandson threw her a big birthday party and we were lucky enough to be invited. It was wonderful to celebrate her 80 years of life and to meet more members of her family and friends. We all can agree that you never see Mattie without a smile on her face. Mattie was born in 1934 in Mississippi and has lived a life full of service and smiles.

80 Never Looked So Good

P.S. Steak 'n Shake was started in 1934, as well.