To age with grace through seasons of change

A JOURNO'S VOICE

- KEANAN HARMSE

"When you look up, say thank you. You may not know what you receive. Every day you are covered, in your car and anything can happen on the way, but God makes your path clear.

These are words from Freda Naidoo, a great-grandmother from Fairways that I recently interviewed for a story upon reaching 100 years of age.

A week later, I find her words of advice for those wishing to live a healthy and prosperous life still echo and intrigue my mind whether I'm driving to the office or daydreaming on the balcony of my apartment.

During the interview, I found myself dumbstruck at the sheer optimism and infectious sense of humour Naidoo displayed as she shared her story.

As I approached her home, I saw her exotically decorated porch with shrubs whilst a group of cats lay on her stoep in the afternoon sun.

Upon introducing myself, she greeted me with the utmost respect and enthusiasm one would not expect from someone who just turned 100. She sat in her couch whilst her walker stood at her knees.

Once I switched on my voice recorder and the interview unfolded, I felt transported to a simpler time where the flow of life was allowed to move at a more moderate, yet oppressive pace, considering it was the height of apartheid.