Personal Narrative: An Interview With A Family

Interview HD is a 103 year old female, whom I have recently started visiting as her home health aide. HD was born October 26, 1912 at her home in Valley Forge, PA. Since she was not born in a hospital, I asked her if she knew how much she weighed, HD stated. “I was too little to be weighed, they didn’t even bother!” (H.D., Personal Communication, September 4, 2016) HD is the youngest member of her family, she had two brothers and a sister. Her sister was deceased before HD was born. She was very close with her brothers, they grew up on a farm in Valley Forge, all three of them were expected to help out with some aspect of the farm. Although they lived on a farm, HD stated that all they had were animals, her father worked at another farm in the area. HD is a huge animal lover, ever since she was a child. When asked about childhood pets, HD stated “I am more of a dog person, but I have always had cats.” (H.D., Personal Communication, September 4, 2016). She grew up with a collie named Silver …show more content…
She even ran a gas station during WWII after her brothers and husband got drafted over seas. She felt that if she could do what she wanted while working, that anyone can do anything. I do agree with this legacy, however, I think she has other legacies to pass on as well. She loves animals as stated, and treats all of her five cats with so much respect and love, even though when I left she tried to offer me one. Another legacy that HD carries is her age. I asked her what her secret is to living so long, she said “Don’t Die!” (H.D., Personal Communication, September 4, 2016) which gave both of us a good laugh. HD is mostly homebound during this stage of her life, however, many people visit her which keeps her