Jacob Brink is looking forward to his 100th birthday
Life has been good to me - Jacob Brink.
Jacob Brink from Moffat View Old Age Home is looking forward to February 20 when he will be turning 98 years old.
He said life has been good to him and is looking forward to turning 100.
Although he uses a walking stick, he said he still feels strong and healthy.
“I still drive myself and can still do my errands here and there with the help of my daughter, Priscilla,” he said.
He was born in Pretoria on February 20 in 1924.
“We lived in a place called White Blokes, where only coloured people were permitted to live. Although life was bearable, we had to move to Alexandra, Johannesburg, for better job opportunities. We relocated to 1st Avenue and I attended school in 2nd Avenue,” he said.
His family moved to Albertville in the ’50s because there was a lot of instability in Alex.
“There I started working in the leather industry, continued to work in a clothing factory and my last job was in a hardware store in Edenvale. That’s where I retired,” he explained.
He got married to Cybil on February 20 in 1953 and said it was a blissful marriage of over 60 years until she died five years ago.
“Cybil and I were blessed with seven children who are all still alive; three daughters and four sons. My eldest daughter, Linda, relocated to the UK. We have 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren,” he said.
His other daughter, Priscilla Smith (60), also stays at the same old age home. She said her father is everything to them.
“My father is a great man. We appreciate him, as he gave us everything of the best in life. Even now he still looks after us. We keep on bothering him whenever we need something, and he gladly assists. I would often come and assist him in cleaning the house.
“He still drives himself. He doesn’t have any ailment and his high blood pressure is under control. We also like to thank our mum. She used to pray hard for us, hence we are all still here. May her soul rest in peace,” said Priscilla.
Jacob also mentioned he was a boxer and a soccer player in his formative years.
“I think my fitness comes from all the sports I played as a youngster. I don’t drink and smoke and I’m glad all my children don’t either, except the young ones, my grandchildren. Life here has its challenges; however, in my seven years staying here I survived.
“God has blessed me. I can’t complain, and having to see all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren is a blessing,” he said.
