I met an amazing lady named Leta the other day.  She is friends with my super fun friend Jacqui.  Even though Leta and I attend the same church, we had never been personally introduced.  What is endearing about this story, unbeknownest to me, we already had a connection through my mother, Earnie.

Shortly after I published a story on my mother’s daily devotional, which you can read about here, Leta called me on the phone and left a message that said, “I want you to know that I have known your mother since 1957 and I hope we can meet so I can tell you about our friendship.”  Literally, one of the sweetest things I had heard in a long while.

I called my friend Jacqui to schedule a lunch with Leta hookup because apparently these two are the best of friends (hold on, Jacqui, because I may take your spot with Leta).  Leta was precious, beautiful and completely lovely.  She even had on a maxi skirt!

While noshing over chips and salsa, we chatted about how she knew Mother.  I asked her what she remembered most about Earnie.  She said, “her smile.  Earnestine was always smiling and happy.”  Then we got onto the subject of how Leta keeps herself so healthy.  Keep in mind she told me she’s known Mother since 1957…do the math (P.S. Leta told me how old she is, but southern ladies don’t share).  I was intrigued by her stories, so I asked her if I could share them with you:

Leta’s List

1. Every morning she starts the day with a glass of water mixed with 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar with mother (she was emphatic it had to be vinegar with “the mother”).  I started this today, because, well look at her!
2. She sits down in daily prayer and meditation with God.  This is really important because, if you recall, this is what Mother did, so apparently this ritual gets you right up there at the front of the lines to the Pearly Gates and a “first nighters” welcome reception with Jesus.
3. She exercises and stretches everyday.  It could be walking or light weights, but she makes the choice to do this, no matter what.
4. She eats fresh vegetables everyday, lean protein and no sugar (she said, “sugar is the devil.”)  Girl, I hear you!
5. She loves to bake and share with friends.  Apparently, she has a pecan pie that has been auctioned for hundreds of dollars for charity.  And she makes our pastor peanut butter pie.  I’m going to figure out a way to get over to her house to teach me this recipe and score the frozen pecan pies she says she keeps in her freezer (along with some chocolate candy she makes for Christmas gifts).
6. She volunteers to stay active and engaged with others.  She is on the team at church that prepares our church bulletins (i.e. church lingo for program/order of service) for each of the Sunday services.

Leta’s List is simple.  It’s not rocket science.  It’s easy to achieve each of these things, you just have to make the commitment that it’s important for a long, healthy and fulfilling life.  Leta is my new super hero and I know exactly why she and my mother were friends.  What a gift they’ve both passed on to me.  Here’s to more Lunches with Leta!