Min Maj turns 100
I grew up without any grandparents, at least none alive or related by blood.
But one of my father’s colleagues from work – a wrinkly old woman with a wobbly walk, called Maj – was retiring and had time on her hands. One morning at breakfast, he asked her if she could possibly look after his two children. She smiled and said yes.
She became min Maj (my Maj). When I drew family trees in class, I included her at the top. When I was tasked with interviewing an elderly person about the Second World War, she gladly agreed.
She had the most fascinating stories to tell.
She had lived through the Second World War, as well as the reigns and passings of monarchs and world leaders. She showed me a box of old newspaper clippings and ration cards from the war years. Each family was only allowed so much flour, so much sugar, and so on. She spoke of the past with lessons never to be forgotten.
She is also very funny. She smokes like a chimney, drinks at least two glasses of whisky (one for each leg, to keep her balance), and goes for a walk every day. She also likes to solve crosswords, puzzles, and anything else that keeps her mind sharp and alert.
Recently, she turned 100. I can’t believe I know someone who is 100 years old. When we sat down for coffee and cinnamon buns (always the same brand of both), she turned to me and said:
Olle, most people say that life is short. And it is. But we must also remember that life can be very, very, very long.
She laughed, and I laughed too.
Her words stuck with me. I sometimes feel "behind in life" – as though I constantly need to catch up, hurry, and be productive. But her reminder re-anchors me. It brings to mind one of my favourite quotes:
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
Live life now. Remember that life can be short, but it can also be long. You live for yourself, but you also live for future generations.
Happy birthday, min Maj!
