She’s not an energizer bunny, but she is still going. My mother has passed her 100th birthday.

She received a letter from Queen Elizabeth, congratulating Katherine on the milestone. Let that be an incentive to you, that you might live to see your own letter from the Queen, congratulating you on your longevity.

The Queen was born April 21st 1926, so she is only 95 at this time.

My nephew Peter Bodrogi cleverly suggested returning the favour, that when the Queen turns 100 my mom should send a birthday card to her. She agrees, so if my mom is still here she will do it. I’m happy to help.

But first she has to survive the rigors of all the people wanting to congratulate her. On her birthday naturally she was toasted with champagne while we all ate birthday cake. The Wednesday before, she was feted by her grandchild Zoe (via smartphone) and Zoe’s mom, hoisting more glasses of bubbly. And there have been additional visits & toasts, lots of bubbles and songs in several languages, including English.

A few days ago (this past week, but after the birthday) I took my mom to a dental hygiene appointment.

With the teeth cleaned & pronounced healthy, what does one do, if not go buy something sweet to keep the dentist in business? And so, afterwards I was instructed to visit Ararat International Fine Foods, a delicatessen across the street from her dentist. My mom wanted me to pick up marzipan as thank you gifts for us, her kids.

When I got there, I mentioned to the proprietors that my mom was in the car outside, a regular customer who had turned 100 last week.

When they went to look in my car, they took her a coffee + a birthday gift.

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know their names. But they’re a lovely family run business that I recall from my childhood in the neighbourhood, on Avenue Road north of Lawrence Ave.

And next week I have an anniversary of my own that I’m planning to celebrate with her, because it happens to be a day when I’m taking her lunch.

I’ll bring something sweet and something bubbly.