St. Joseph Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: February 6, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A St. Joseph woman hit a major milestone on Wednesday. Odessa Oram turned 100 years old, and she shared her secret to living a long, happy life.
Looking around Oram's apartment, it's easy to see that for her, flowers and smiles go hand-in-hand.
"I love flowers, I'd like to grow them here," said Oram.
Beautiful bouquets and cards surround her room at Living Community of St. Joseph, showing that many others are sharing in her birthday celebration.
But she says it's nothing special.
"It just feels like any day, I don't feel any different," added Oram.
Reflecting on her life over the past century, she remembers the high points, like being in love.
"I've been married twice, and I outlived my two husbands," she said.
Those loves are gone, but one love has always remained - her love of nature. Before returning to her roots in St. Joseph, she maintained 94 rose bushes and 47 orchid plants at her home in San Francisco.
Those who know her say her nurturing spirit fosters her zest for life.
"I have always been interested in growing things, and seeing things grow," said Oram.
She says she's had her share of regret too, but the key to a long, happy life is learning to let go.
"I think you accept what you have to accept to live, and don't fuss about it," she said.
She doesn't sweat the small stuff, and tries to find meaning in everything she sees.
"I've seen sunsets you wouldn't believe. And I'd never thought anything about sunsets until I lived here and saw these beautiful sunsets," said Oram.
That view is nothing compared to 100 years of happiness.
Looking around Oram's apartment, it's easy to see that for her, flowers and smiles go hand-in-hand.
"I love flowers, I'd like to grow them here," said Oram.
Beautiful bouquets and cards surround her room at Living Community of St. Joseph, showing that many others are sharing in her birthday celebration.
But she says it's nothing special.
"It just feels like any day, I don't feel any different," added Oram.
Reflecting on her life over the past century, she remembers the high points, like being in love.
"I've been married twice, and I outlived my two husbands," she said.
Those loves are gone, but one love has always remained - her love of nature. Before returning to her roots in St. Joseph, she maintained 94 rose bushes and 47 orchid plants at her home in San Francisco.
Those who know her say her nurturing spirit fosters her zest for life.
"I have always been interested in growing things, and seeing things grow," said Oram.
She says she's had her share of regret too, but the key to a long, happy life is learning to let go.
"I think you accept what you have to accept to live, and don't fuss about it," she said.
She doesn't sweat the small stuff, and tries to find meaning in everything she sees.
"I've seen sunsets you wouldn't believe. And I'd never thought anything about sunsets until I lived here and saw these beautiful sunsets," said Oram.
That view is nothing compared to 100 years of happiness.
