A letter from Wareham’s oldest resident on her 105th birthday

Dec 31, 2019

Mary Rose, a lifelong resident of Onset, is the oldest person in Wareham. On her 105th birthday, she sat down to share thanks and wisdom with the community.

I feel it is my duty to tell you what it is like to get another year older, mine coming from a Cape Verdean slice of life and living in Wareham. You see, I am Wareham’s Oldest Resident and a lot of what I have to say involves you: Onset and Wareham residents, my community. Lately the words, “thank you” have been on my lips so much, I am convinced the other well-known words “it takes a village” pertains more to the senior generation.

I just had a birthday reaching the grand ripe age of one hundred five — I wrote that out because at my age I want everything to last longer and build memories. My daughter told me that we were going to celebrate my 105 birthday all during the month of December because it was a special landmark for me. So I enjoyed many birthday cakes at the five organizations I belong to and oh! I must tell you about the cards. I opened all 138 of them as they came, reading all what you wrote and the heartfelt sentiments that made you buy the card in the first place. Thank you so much.

Thank you, friends and family, for just popping in to say “Happy Birthday” and grant me the joy of your hug and smile.

Thank you for the bouquets of floral arrangements, roses, plants, bright red poinsettias, books, chocolates, clothing, a beautiful handmade afghan, cookies and other handmade baked goods gracing my home and reminding me of your love each day.

Colorful balloons shower my front door and my living room announcing my birthday in a bouncing spirit…thank you so much to whomever is adding fresh balloons out front.

The Wareham Historical Society blessed me with a gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses and an honoree membership to their organization. Thank you, Angela.

There were many birthday celebrations throughout the month, and I thank you all so much for coming to them and sharing my birthday breath.  As I mentioned at one birthday moment, I love people. We are all here on earth to help one another. When we reach out, we connect. Reach out every day and you will not only grow in many ways, but you will add so much more to your life in one way or another.

Thank you to all the community restaurant owners who treated me to breakfast, lunch and supper on my birthday.

I send out thank you vibes to my international family and friends who called me  on my birthday.

My daughter is always surprising me by doing something unexpected.  She says it “spices my life up” and “keeps me on my toes.”  This morning she opened the door and I heard her shout:  “Hi, want to come in and meet my 105 year old mom?” In walked a couple who were jogging down Onset Avenue. Turns out they were vacationing from New Hampshire and seemed totally thrilled to come in. They took photos and chatted earnestly wanting to record my secrets of life.

I have always felt God has given me my fair share of space here on earth. My parents believed in America and instilled in their seven children the love of God, look out for each other, help those around you and to never be afraid to shoulder your joys and tribulations of life. 

My son and daughter have been tremendously supportive of me, and as the years sailed bye my community has always surrounded me.

I am glad I am alive. I am glad to awaken each morning and put one foot in front of the other and walk in my living room. I am especially thankful that you are with me every step of the way. Thank you again to all of you for helping me envelop my 105th birthday with so much positivity and God’s blessing.