A century!
The table is set beautifully, the cake looks scrumptious and the music is being set up – all for the celebration of a Jeffreysrus resident’s hundredth birthday.
Merrymakers pour in for the party and then the sweet staff bring in the dame of the day, Myrtle Jenkins. It is the big day on October 9.
The feisty lady is onto me immediately: “I have been at Jeffreysrus Retirement Centre for years, not Eedenglen as erroneously reported.” I apologise sincerely for the misunderstanding, and we are set for the festivities.
Jenkins is as sharp as a tack and charmed with the cake baked by Ada Vorster and decorated by Sister Annelise Rathborne.
Golden letters spell her name on the square cake and a shiny 100 tops the one round layer.
Jenkins says that everyone at Jeffeysrus has been incredibly good to her over the years, since she moved into her own apartment and later into the frail care.
“They are patient, friendly and helpful at all times.”
A widow of 18 years after her spouse of 36 years, Noel, passed away, she is surrounded by love from her ten siblings’ offspring. They never had children.
There is no other secret to her health and long life besides the Lord and His mercy. “He is so good to me, and I am grateful.”
