Relationship Grade: A  Because I have been married to the same man for 65 years!

Parenting Grade: B  Most of the time we were great parents. Once in a while a child leaves you completely mystified.

Work Grade: A  I was a professional cake and cookie decorator. At first I worked at home, and my husband did the baking for me . . . everything from scratch. It really was too much work to do at home. That’s when I decided to work at a well-known bakery.

Spirituality Grade: A  I give thanks to the Lord for all my blessings, which are many. I pray for my family and friends always.

Outside activities/interests?  I learned to water-ski when I was a grandma. I learned to slalom water-ski when I was a great-grandma. One could say I was in my second childhood! Last time I water-skied, I was 71. Someone took a video of me—I didn’t fall. When I came in to shore, the crowd was waving at me and cheering.

When did you find your true path?  After 60. I was more intelligent by then.

How do you see your life unfolding from here?  Hadn’t planned on having my right knee buckle and twist into my left leg while I was trying to get into the car. I had a very hard time facing the facts and felt so very sorry for myself. My daughters gave me a pep talk and said, “Mother, at least you have two legs, and you can walk!” I am better now and doing what I can to improve. I was writing a romance novel. It is on the last draft. I cannot be at the computer very long, but I do not want somebody else to type it for me.

Best thing you’ve done.  Married a good man; had five wonderful children.

Worst thing you’ve done.  Now really, I can’t tell that—don’t want to destroy my image.

Click here for more Rate Your LIfe survey results, including wild, wicked, witty observations and advice from 1,200 women age 60-plus.

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