KNYSNA NEWS - Hip Hip Hooray! to one of Knysna's oldest residents, Elizabeth Fourie (née Meyer), who is celebrating her 104th birthday today, Thursday 4 December.
Surrounded by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a gaggle of tiny great-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth will blow out 104 candles in the home she now shares with her son, Danie Fourie, in Knysna Heights.
In this day and age, turning 100 is an extremely rare and special achievement, let alone 104 !
To put her milestone in perspective is to realise that she has lived through two world wars, witnessed local democracy, the first man on the moon and all sorts of technology drastically taking over people's daily lives, and survived lots of global pandemics.
And yet, here she still stands unwaveringly, dipped in the grace of God.
Gratitude
Reflecting on her long journey, Elizabeth, who moved to Knysna two years ago from Mpumalanga, says the feeling of turning 104 is still sinking in.
"Reaching 104 feels almost unreal. I never imagined I would live to see so many changes in the world and in my own family.
This milestone means gratitude: gratitude for the years I've been given, for the love of my children and grandchildren and for the simple joys that still make life beautiful."
One of those joys, she fondly recalls, is the memory of riding her pony into town as a young woman. Those early adventures remind her just how far life has taken her and how many seasons she has lived through with grace.
Secret
When asked about her secret to longevity, Elizabeth's answer is simple and steady, much like the philosophy that has guided her life. "Stay busy. If you stop or don't keep your mind busy, you will die," she says.
Family has always been at the centre of Elizabeth's universe. As a mother of nine and a grandmother many times over, she describes her family as her greatest blessing and her life's deepest purpose.
"Family has been the heart of my life. Raising nine children and watching generations grow has given me purpose and joy."
Community and faith
Her sense of belonging extends beyond blood ties. Community and faith, too, have played a meaningful role in her life. "Neighbours became friends, and their kindness made a town feel like home.
"Faith has been my anchor through every season - from the hard times to the celebrations."
Yet as much as she treasures her blessings, she admits there are things she misses.
"I miss the family around me and being involved with their lives. As the kids get older, they have their own lives, and you almost become only a spectator. My family is all over the country and it's difficult to see them regularly."
Her long life has not been without hardship. Some of of the defining lessons of her life date back to her childhood on a Free State farm, where she learned hard work, responsibility and the importance of helping others.
That lesson became both a source of strength and a compass.
"Riding my pony into town taught me independence, but it also showed me how important it is to help your family and community. Work hard, stay humble, and always lend a hand."
This philosophy sustained her through her most painful chapter: stepping in to raise her grandchildren after they lost one of their parents unexpectedly.
How does she plan to celebrate?
As for her birthday plans, Elizabeth says that she prefers a gentle celebration befitting of her nature.
"We will be having a quiet day with snacks, gifts and some family over to enjoy some quality time. That means the world to me," she says.
Elizabeth with her husband Dawid Jacobus who passed away at the age of 58 in 1977. This photo was taken on their wedding day in 1940.
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