Millie Garfield is 93 Years Old
Friday, 17 August 2018
Actually, Millie's birthday is tomorrow, Saturday, but we are celebrating her 93 years here at Time Goes By today – and what a celebration it is this year.
In early July, Millie was due at Massachusetts General Hospital for surgery but the night before check-in, her wonderful son Steve and his equally terrific wife Carol took her to dinner at Scampo, a fine restaurant in the Liberty Hotel in Boston.
After dinner, Steve caught Millie on camera in her hotel room looking much more like a woman having what might have been a mini-vacation with her family instead of facing surgery.
As Steve explained to me, Millie had a minimally-invasive procedure called a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR in medical parlance) which is done through tiny openings that leave all chest bones in place.
Millie got through that admirably and I was glad to hear her patented Millie Garfield laugh when we spoke on the telephone only two days later.
Recovery went well and on 13 July, Steve and Carol took Millie to rehab. Throughout the entire “adventure”, hospital and rehab, Steve took a lot a institutional food photos that look pretty good to me. Here's one of them:
And here is a shot of Carol with Millie in rehab:
Millie didn't linger in rehab and she was home in what seemed to me to be just a few days and she has been doing fine since then.
Steve has posted many more photos at Millie's Facebook page and you might want to check out her blog today too.
As I have mentioned in the past, Millie is my oldest internet friend and we have been phoning and emailing for at least 12, maybe 14 years, even visiting in person once or twice when I still lived on the east coast.
We've shared a lot of laughs together all these years, often about the things that go wrong as we get older. She likes to remind me that compared to her, I'm not really there yet; she's got 16 years on me and says I ain't seen nothin' yet. Oy, I can't wait.
Whatever is to be in the coming years, Millie's taught me the best way to cope, always, is with laughter.
Meanwhile, what's a birthday party without games and for the past couple of years, we have been celebrating Millie's by adding up all our ages in the comments. Here's how I explained it last year, updated for 2018:
"Take the number of Millie's years, 93. Add my years, 77, and we've got 170. Now, the next one of you, in the comments, should add your age to that, then the next of you add to that total and then the next and so on.
"Of course, because more than one person will comment at a time, the total will get all screwed up – but that's part of the fun at birthday parties, just being silly.
Happy Big Deal 93 years, Millie. I so treasure our friendship and I am privileged to know you.
Happy Birthday MIllie! Can't believe you had that surgery. Thanks for the info. May face the issue one of these days. You look marvelous in rehab. Dee :):)iiiiiiiiiiii
Posted by: Dee | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 05:38 AM
170+82=252 years.
Happy Birthday Millie!
You are an inspiration!
Genie
Posted by: Genie | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 06:33 AM
Happy birthday Miss Millie.
319
John
Posted by: John Brayton | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 06:39 AM
Happy Birthday Millie!! You are an inspiration to us all.
319 + 69 = 388
Posted by: Donna | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:00 AM
Happy Birthday Millie! You are such a lovely person. Have a wonderful day!
388 + 61 = 449
Posted by: Linda (in Maryland) | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:28 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie! Ronni says you have a patented laugh. You also have an infectious smile!
449 + 60 = 509
Posted by: Patty-in-New-York | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:36 AM
♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Birthday to youuuuuu♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ♥ ♥♥Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ Happy Birthday ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...HappyBirthday to Millie •*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*• ♫♪.•*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
509 + 76 = 585
Posted by: Diane | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:43 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie! 585 + 65= 650
Posted by: Kathy Zachary | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:45 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie. You've made me smile just to read about you.
509+78=587
Posted by: Judy Jones | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:46 AM
Lookin’ great Millie! Happy Birthday!
585+ 85 = 670
Posted by: Lola | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:46 AM
745 more or less! Happy birthday, Ms. Millie!
Posted by: Meg Manderson | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:49 AM
Happy Birthday & many happy returns! 🎂🎂🎂
745 + 73 = 818
Posted by: Jean in Florida | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:51 AM
Happy Birthday Millie!!!!
818 + 62 = 880
Posted by: Linda | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:56 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie. The sunflower is perfect for you - sunny and you're pretty as a lovely flower - inside especially. Your spirit shines brightly even in photos.
Posted by: Simone | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 07:59 AM
And, now = 955
Posted by: Simone | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:00 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie! 955 + 75 = 1,030 Ding, ding, ding!
Posted by: Susan R (Pied Type) | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:07 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie!! 1,030 + 76 = 1,106. May your next year be FANTASTIC!!
Posted by: Rachel E | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:11 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie!
1030+69=1099.
Go for it!
Posted by: Mary McCarthy | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:12 AM
Happy Birthday Millie from my sweet neighbors: Gerrie 95, Patrice 91, Lois 98, Cindy 92, Marion 91 and the youngster, Charlotte 72!
818+95+91+98+92+91+72=1,357
Posted by: Charlotte | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:13 AM
Happy birthday, Millie! I hope Ronni can publish an audio link of your laugh someday, we want to enjoy it, too!
Posted by: Wendl | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:14 AM
Happy birthday to you🎶🌺🌷🌻
Posted by: Marilyn | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:20 AM
Happy Birthday to you, Millie! I just had mine eleven days ago so am adding my 85 to 1357=1442. All good wishes to you . . .
Posted by: Marge | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:25 AM
Happy Birthday Millie from an 81 year old - now we're 1523.
Posted by: Janet Matthews | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:39 AM
Happy Birthday from England!
I was 70 last month so 1523+70=1593
Posted by: Hilary | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:07 AM
Happy Birthday from a relative youngster at 80, now we are at 1613.
Posted by: Ken Pyburn | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:09 AM
1613 +82 = 1695 Go for an bunch more good years, Millie! Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Tarzana | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:19 AM
1523 +85=1608, Happy Birthday, Millie. I just went to a birthday party for a 100-year-old woman yesterday--mind clear as a bell!
Posted by: Lyn Burnstine | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:23 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie, as I add my 81 to your 93 AND COUNTING!
The accumulated years of wisdom I find on TGB from you, Ronnie and the sharing others is irreplaceable. Now it is 1695+81----1776 ! Has a nice 'ring' to it, I think, these days. :-)
Posted by: Charlene | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:40 AM
Happy Birthday Millie!
1608+72=1680
Posted by: Janet | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:40 AM
1680 + 73 is. 1753
Posted by: Mary Gerritsen | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:46 AM
Happy Birthday Millie!
1680+78=1758. (I think.)
Posted by: Anne | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:47 AM
I hope your birthday is filled with many reasons for your glorious laughter,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MILLIE!!!
Posted by: Salinda Dahl | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:49 AM
Happy Birthday Millie 1753+75= 1828
My birthday today - here's my take on it.
It’s a gas getting old, literally and figuratively since body and mind develop a general loosening of important muscles.
The body starts to change, what started high and pert is now swinging low, the rounded little derriere is flat and always hidden with a flowing top, the legs develop intricate spider web designs: who needs tattoos?
It’s a difficult time, getting used to the way things are rather than the way they were. Then – it hits. It doesn’t matter. This is the time for the mind. Sod the body, that’s never going to improve but the mind can still exercise imagination, rescue memories, go questing and, of course, keep on fantasizing. I belly laugh instead of tittering genteelly, I talk to strangers when I shouldn’t, I buy stuff I don’t need and I love my lovely family and beautiful friends. It’s a gas getting old.
Posted by: Odette | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 09:51 AM
Buon compleanno, cara Millie! All the best wishes possible flowing your way from Florence (Italy).
1828+66=1894
Posted by: laura | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 10:28 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie!
1894 + 70 = 1964
Posted by: Shirley Thompson | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 10:40 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie!
1964 + 77 = 2041
Now the two thousands have begun.
Posted by: Julie B | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 10:58 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie!
2041 + 71 = 2112 (a palindrome!)
Posted by: Larry | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 11:07 AM
2112 + 73 =2185
Happy Birthday, Millie! ❤️❤️🌼🌼😊
Posted by: Pat C. | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 11:33 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie! So glad you were able to have the
Minimally invasive surgery! Good luck.
Posted by: Kenju | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 12:01 PM
Happy Birthday, Millie, and many more! 2185 + 68=2253.
Posted by: Amanda | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 12:16 PM
Happy Birthday, Millie. May you laugh your way through many more!
2253 + 76 = 2329
Posted by: Arleen M. from NJ | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 01:00 PM
Happy Birthday, Millie! Toasting your beautiful smile, joyous spirit, and most of all YOU!
2329 + 70 = 2399
Posted by: Sandra J | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 01:59 PM
A very Happy Birthday to another Leo lady. I swear I keep meeting more and more, and a few who are August Virgos too! Adding my current (for 5 more days) age of 75 +2329= 2404 YAY!
Posted by: Barb Rogers | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 02:16 PM
You've nailed it, Millie - - - laughter is the Very Best. Happy Birthday, kid!!
2399 +83 = 2482
Posted by: Tim Hay | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 02:18 PM
Thanks to all of you for the thousands of great words and wishes to keep me smiling and laughing! What a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday!
Very happy to be home and dong just the ordinary daily things that we can take for granted.!
Thousands of hugs to each of you!
Posted by: millie garfield` | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 02:28 PM
2482+61= 2543
Seems like an extra wonderful number. Have followed you for a long time. Glad to celebrate. <3
Posted by: Lisa | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 02:33 PM
2543 + 81 = 2624. Happy Birthday, Millie. I don't think I have your long term durability--you are indeed remarkable. With luck my husband will turn 89 in November so he's further along.
Posted by: Elizabeth Rogers | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 03:18 PM
2624 + 71 =2695 Happy Birthday Millie. :-)
Posted by: macmsue | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 05:07 PM
Great to see you looking so well and happy, Millie. Happy Birthday to another 03 year old. Shall we shoot for 100?
Enjoy the day and have a wonderful time being 93 years old.
I am late to the party, but I will still add my age. 2,695 + 93 makes the tally 2,788.
Posted by: Darlene | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 05:57 PM
Millie, you look incredible. At 83 (plus 2788 equals 2871), I wish I looked as good and as healthy as you. Happy birthday!
Posted by: Emma Jay | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 06:26 PM
Happy Birthday Millie! Congratulations on the successful surgery , and hope you are good for another 3,000 miles!
Posted by: Cathy Johnson | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 06:37 PM
Happy Birthday Millie...I will raise you 63..thanks for blazing the trail! and that makes 2934!
Terry from Texas :)
Posted by: Terry | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 06:37 PM
Looking good, girl. Hugs right back to you.
2934 + 94 = 3028
Posted by: Charlotte Dahl | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 08:00 PM
Happy Birthday from
Jack Benny 39 and Me 77 plus 3028 = 3144.
Posted by: Redstone Gail | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 10:16 PM
Happy Birthday Millie!
3144 + 74 = 3218.
Posted by: Sylvia | Friday, 17 August 2018 at 11:06 PM
From France a very Happy Birthday Millie!
Posted by: Emily | Saturday, 18 August 2018 at 12:17 AM
Happy Birthday Millie! 3218+78= 3296. Of course in Oct. I'll be 79. :-)
Posted by: Bonnie | Saturday, 18 August 2018 at 06:48 AM
3357 . After reading a Time Magazine article some time back (ha!), yours were the first blogs I ever started reading. Pioneer women of the internet!
Posted by: Heidi | Saturday, 18 August 2018 at 08:35 AM
Happy Birthday, Millie- you are beautiful! 3357 + 67 = 3424
Posted by: Lizziee | Saturday, 18 August 2018 at 12:38 PM
Happy birthday Millie. Hugs too. 3357+77=3434.
Posted by: Mage Bailey | Sunday, 19 August 2018 at 11:18 AM
Sorry I'm late. Happy Birthday, Millie! 3501
Posted by: Pilgrim | Monday, 20 August 2018 at 06:33 AM
Checking in late but tomorrow is my birthday so I will add 85,
bringing our total to 3586. Whooppee!
Posted by: Phyllis Schmitz | Monday, 20 August 2018 at 06:54 PM
Happy Birthday Millie! And thanks to Ronni for keeping us current. Next stop Millie's blog. 3586+68=3655
Posted by: Norma | Saturday, 25 August 2018 at 08:29 AM
3655 + 80 = 3,735
Posted by: Eleanor I Blaney | Sunday, 26 August 2018 at 11:33 AM
Happy Birthday Millie!
3,735 + 22 = 3,757
Posted by: Garrett | Thursday, 20 September 2018 at 02:26 PM
Happy Birthday Millie!! :)
3,757 + 24 = 3,781
Posted by: AnnaBeth | Thursday, 23 May 2019 at 09:00 AM