My Mom’s Birthday

Today is my mom’s 105th birthday. She was born this day in 1919 in rural Oklahoma. She could have been a writer, poet, a teacher then, but women in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and later weren’t encouraged for that route. Later, when she was 65 or so, she took up competitive race walking. She nailed it, and held the Oregon record for her age group. I have forgotten the distance. She won races all over the country, and had gold medals hanging in her home. So I honor you now, Aline Thornton Witten. None of us could keep up with your walk. Happy birthday, Mom. I miss you after 20 years on the other side.