Gran turns 103 and is still going strong
"Hundred and three years is a long time. I’m grateful to still be alive although I have lost some of my vision and cannot really read anymore, I can still hear and respond to those who have conversation with me."
It was a memorable morning for the staff at Harmoniehof Retirement Home, as well as the family and friends of Sarah Grobler who celebrated her 103rd birthday on Thursday.
The significant milestone was celebrated at the retirement home in Sunnyside, where the staff decorated the place with balloons and table set-ups, and a special cake to share among the 60 guests who attended the birthday celebration.
Rekord was there when Sarah, filled with smiles and laughter, blew out the candles on her cake.
When asked what was her secret to achieving this milestone she said, “every morning when I wake up, I ask God to hold my hand throughout the day and then at night before I sleep I thank Him for the wonderful day and ask Him to protect me throughout the night, and He has done so for me all these years.”
Grobler hails from Malmesbury in Cape Town. She explains that she married her college sweetheart, Frans Grobler and together they had her two children, Christa Peach and Paul Grobler who further blessed them with seven grandchildren and later eight great grandchildren.
For 25 years she served as an educator for Grade 1’s and 2’s, teaching them to read and write, which she said she enjoyed.
“Hundred and three years is a long time. I’m grateful I am still alive, although I have lost some of my vision and cannot really read anymore, I can still hear and respond to those who have conversation with me,” said Grobler.
One of her grandchildren Christél Jeegers said her gran was known for being a person who stuck to her principles and who hates lies, even a “white lie”.
Part of the attendees included one of the learners Grobler taught, in Grade 2, Hanlie Moulder who explained that even in school days, Grobler echoed the importance of acknowledging God and placing your hand in His.
“I am thankful to teacher Essie for not just teaching us what we had to learn but also for investing into our lives by teaching us spiritual values and sharing love with us which she still shares with everyone else today,” said Moulder.
Many at the Harmoniehof Retirement Home refer to Grobler as aunt Essie.
The manager at the home, Marié Pienaar described aunt Essie as someone whom they can learn a lot from.
“She’s very special and makes everyone around her feel special. She has been staying with us for more than 10 years and everyone enjoys listening to the stories she shares of her days as an educator,” said Pienaar.
She added that many who visit the home are shocked to learn how old aunt Essie is because she is still so strong and can walk around to enjoy the sun on the patio.
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