WINTER 2006Tom Smith
Director of Institutional Advancement
When we hear about someone turning one hundred years old, many thoughts go through our heads. The thoughts usually center on—how did this person do it? What is the person's secret? She must have had an easy life and eaten lots of yogurt. He must live in a little village near the Mediterranean and begin each day sweeping the front stairs with an old straw broom. This may be true for some of these amazing souls, but not for one that I know.
The amazing soul that I know does live in a village, but without the broom. This beautiful little lady has eyes blue as the summer sky and a personality that will keep you laughing from the moment you hear her voice. She knows where she has been and will tell you where to go. Sharp as a tack and softer than your favorite pillow, she will delight you with her mannerisms and charm while keeping you interested with her stories of grandeur.
Letha Tomlinson Gibe Miller was born November 2, 1906, on the Tomlinson Farm, today known as the Dubois Farm, in Marlboro. Her father was a farmer like his father, and taught Letha how to work out in the field. If you ask her, she will tell you with much pride that she was always rugged and could work outside. Letha attended Buttonwood School in Cumberland County and graduated from Shiloh High School in 1924. Letha's late husband Robert Gibe was a farmer. They were married for thirty years and had three children together. Later, when Letha married Bill Miller, they moved to Mannington. After Bill died, Letha moved to the Gold Finch House in Bridgeton before she came here to Friends Village. Letha lives next door to Emma Dubois, her sister. Letha is a resident volunteer and plays the piano for the residents in Skilled Nursing every Sunday from 9:30 to 11:00 am.
Most days I see Letha as she strolls past my office door. Her smile is infectious as it instantly wipes away any worry one may have about the road ahead. She is living proof that anything is possible, and that the problems we lug around day to day will be resolved. She gives us comfort and much hope that there is meaning to our lives. Some may interpret this feeling as hope for longevity. Others who know Letha, like me, understand that no matter what age we are or what our limitations may be, we all have purpose. We have a responsibility to everyone around us to give it our all. People are always mesmerized to learn that the Sunday entertainment for the folks in Skilled Nursing (where the average age of the residents is eighty-eight) is Letha, who will turn one hundred this November.
Recently I worked up the courage to ask Letha what the secret of longevity is. She paused and smiled excitedly as if she had never been asked this question before and whispered, "Love … nothing less."
Happy birthday, Letha—we all love you very much!
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Monday, November 20, 2006 at 06:09 PM
