"If You Eat Like a Horse, Don't Expect to Look Like a Pony"

In 1916, Helen G. began life in Superior, Wisconsin. Her Russian born parents spoke Yiddish, a colorful, nuanced, language suited for story telling. The joys of Yiddish have not been lost on Helen. She has a remarkable sense of humor peppered with original sayings like the title of this article.

By necessity, Helen's dad taught her to work hard and be frugal. He knew how to stretch a bagel and make it last. She honored her father by driving a 1967 Dodge Dart for 40 years and then donating it to charity.

Ms. G's marriage in 1943 was short lived. Her husband was killed in WWII, and never got to see his own daughter. Helen worked in the General Accounting Office (Washington D.C.); then moved to Superior and Duluth as a single mom. She took jobs at: Glassblock, Orecks and Buds.

At age 92 Helen G takes the bus 2-3 miles downtown and walks back. She shops for groceries on foot and pushes them home in a wheeled cart, up hill. Helen demonstrated pushups against the doorsill and table edge and range of motion that would make a college coed jealous. Ms. G claims dancing is good for balance, but feet don't know what to do. Having danced with Helen, I beg to differ.

Ms. G learned to cook from her mom whose recipes began with "use as much flour as it takes". She makes delicious ethnic foods but warns us not to cook when hungry, or eat just because its time. Helen reminds us "the way you eat, that's how you look". She can still buy clothes at the junior department.

For Helen, it's not about money, but life. She does not want to be "the richest kid in the cemetery". Ms. G remarked, "Just breathing is not living because anybody can sit like a bump on a log". She shared her doctor's wise saying with us: "if you think you feel old now, quit walking and you'll find out how old you really are."

Helen admonishes us to: "have fun when we are young in order to build memories for the days ahead". This clear-headed woman still enjoys life on her terms. She loves learning, and is a remarkable example of passionate aging, a role model for us all.

Perhaps, you are wondering why Helen's last name and photo are not included with her story. She has a touch of modesty, something we should all catch now and then.*

*Contributed by Gary Gordon

Ms. G is a true inspiration to all of us!
If you know of a Duluthian who would serve as an inspiration because of their commitment to health, please send us a description of your candidate to: info@fitcityduluth.com or Contact Us