Why would anybody want to be like a 106 year old person I hear you ask… probably sans teeth, mobility and probably sans the full complement of mental faculties? Ah! But this is the story of a 106 year old that is a salutary lesson for all of us; this is a centenarian who has the joie de vivre that would put most people a third of her age to shame! Here’s why all of us could try and be a little more like Virginia McLaurin (scroll down to watch the video of her visit with the first couple of the United States).

She had a dream

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Virginia McLaurin received an award for the work she did with students who had severe mental and physical disabilities in 2013. On that occasion she had said that it was her dream to meet Barack Obama, the president of the United States.

She fulfilled her dream

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She was able to “celebrate Black history” meet “a black president” and his “black wife”. She had never thought that her dream of visiting the White House would come true, but it did! So what if it look a hundred years or so.

She danced with Michele Obama

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As the irrepressible centenarian met the Obamas her sheer vitality caused her to literally dance for joy and the first lady apparently could not resist breaking into a little jig along with her.

The first lady wants to be like her

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 “I want to be like you when I grow up” said Michele Obama to Virginia McLaurin. If only more of us could “grow up” to retain that child like joy and enjoyment of the moment!

She made everyone in the room smile!

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Her smile is a mile wide, her enthusiasm utterly irresistible! Such is Virginia McLaurin’s infectious delight that everyone around couldn’t help but grin along with her.

President Obama told her to “slow down”

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Yes he did! Her energy and her bubbly spirit were so amazing that the POTUS felt the need to calm her down.

The happiest day of her life came when she was 106

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It ain’t over till the fat lady sings say the Americans. This hundred year old woman certainly taught us that there is no age at which it is OK to give up on life. Life can continue to surprise us and delight us at any time no matter where or how or when!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMp6eQQoSuk

Author – Reena Daruwalla