July 6, 2021 — We thought we’d just keep the independence vibe going today by hearing from one of the most admirably independent people we know: Hannlis! For those new to our Cardie community, H is the 97-year-young friend and neighbor of our founder Jodee, who has written of her for years here. This “Cardie Oma” still very much leads her own life, and has inspired quite a following (i.e., 70 Cardies sent her birthday cards last year, how fun is that?!). Because her fans see her as growing more amazing with every passing year, we asked Hannlis to share her thoughts on independence with us all. Here’s what she had to say:
“When I was just a toddler back in Germany, I would run and jump into my grandparent’s pool so often that my parents said it was time I learned to swim. Learning freed me to swim not only in the pool, but in the river nearby and then — the best! — the ocean. My parents taught me from the start to be independent: If you can’t do something for yourself one way, learn another way! And there is always another way.
“At 17, I began studying physical therapy at the Marburg University hospital. This was early in World War II, so our patients were soldiers who were either injured or had suffered severe frostbite fighting in Russia. I remember one young soldier named Erik who had lost all his toes to frostbite and — because the toes are essential to balance — he was very sad at the thought that he would never walk again.
“I said to him, ‘Wait just a minute. The hospital is giving you orthopedic shoes with inserts that will serve as artificial toes. And the body can do a lot to heal itself. But you must believe that. If you do, you are not only going to walk again, you’re going to dance with me!’
“Over the next few months, we did a lot of dancing, because all the different movements — stepping forward, backwards and especially the turns — helped Erik regain his strength and balance. While at first very doubtful, he became excited about the possibility of gaining his independence again.
“When Erik was released from the hospital, he was taking the stairs two at a time. I thought of him as my prize patient because he had been such a success. It was his attitude, you see, his ability to believe that he would get better and be able to walk again that made it possible. The day we said goodbye, he told me, ‘I will be thinking of you — and thanking you — for the rest of my life.’
“I was a physical therapist until I was 75 so, over the years, helped many people regain their independence. That is a very good feeling. I retired only because I no longer had the physical strength to lift some of the patients that required that help. I’ll celebrate my 98th birthday in a few months, so am often asked the secret to living independently as we age. I’d say it would be to accept the truth of your condition and then find new ways of doing the things you have always done.
“If you don’t accept your circumstances, you’ll be unhappy. I know some people won’t accept that they would benefit from using a walker. They say, ‘It will make me look old!’ When I hear that, my first thought is always, ‘But you are old, and it’s too bad you won’t accept that because using a walker would allow you to walk on your own just a little longer.’ Independence, to me, is the basic idea of life, even as we grow older. So do things on your own just as long as possible.
“I’ve had to accept that my strength is getting less and less. Everyone’s world shrinks soon enough. Mine is now 40 steps to my building’s oceanfront balcony and back and I know that, if I don’t make that trip several times today, I’ll have a harder time tomorrow. If I don’t go up and down the stairs from my second floor apartment to the ground floor, using those stairs for practice and exercise, I will no longer be able to take them at all. Every day I tell myself to do as much as I can — no more and no less.
“Just as I was a cheerleader for that young soldier back in Germany, many of you kind Cardies have become a cheerleader for me. The lovely messages you write inside the cards you send make me feel that I’m still making a difference in this world, so I want to be sure you know that you have made a real difference in mine. Many thanks!”
Hannlis is such an inspiration & more people would benefit by following her philosophy. To be that sharp & determined to stay fit at her age is remarkable. Thank you for bringing this incredible woman into our lives. Hannlis, you rock!
Hannlis, you are a treasure! So glad to know you’re out there inspiring others!
What wonderful words to share with all of us readers. I am 82 and feel like I am still going strong. I live in my own apartment with my two dogs and one 15 year-old 3-legged mean black cat. I talk to the three of them all day long. What great and uplifting words and advice from you, Hannlis. My own apartment is behind my daughter’s house. I get to be very independent and agree with you about doing things for myself as long as I possibly can. Thank you thank you for you words to us today.
I especially love the statement about using a walker. After conferring with a friend who had to have a leg amputated following an automobile accident, I chose a rollator that’s very lightweight and easy to fold and put into a car. It has enabled me to go places I would never have been able to walk to, and the small seat has been a lifesaver. I even use it daily around the house, because I am able to stand up straighter using it. Hanliss is right – using a walker doesn’t make anyone look old. We ARE old! Let’s make the best of it.
“Everyone’s world shrinks soon enough.” True enough, Hannlis, yet you’ve made my world bigger and better today, so thank you! Hope you can enjoy that balcony for a long time to come.
Hannlis – you are remarkable :)
Hannlis, what most resonates with me is your advice to accept one’s aging and adapt. We can make accommodations for ourselves that help us and that help those around us enjoy each other. Thank you! Enjoy the view.!
Hannlis is our Shero!
What a wonderful story Hannlis! Thank you for allowing us all to get to know you better. I’m sure Erik thought about you and your inspiration over his life just as you thought of him. My grandmother lived to age 99. She did not want to use a walker — nor does anyone but she did. She was still driving at 95 and she would circle the parking lot at the grocery store looking for her favorite thing — a shopping cart left behind near a parking spot. She would carefully exit her car and use that cart as her walking helper while she shopped! She had your attitude and I just hope some of it rubbed off on all of us. I smile when I see a cart left behind in the parking lot knowing that it would have made her day. Thank you for reminding me that good genes aren’t enough — it’s attitude!!
Hannlis, you are such a blessing to so many . . . and as a fairly new Cardie, I am so grateful to learn more about you. You are of my parents generation, and I was blessed to have them into their mid-nineties. You remind me of them with your positive, encouraging attitude! Wish I could sit on your balcony with you and hear more stories!
Bless you!
Mauri
I think Hannlis would endorse Forrest Church’s mantra . Posted on my bulletin board, it is
LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE.
DO WHAT YOU CAN.
BE WHO YOU ARE.
At any age!
YES!
When I first started buying cards from Cardthartic i also started to read the stories that Jodee shared of you so for these years I have felt a long distance friendship . Your stories touch the core of my heart. You are simply amazing and I am honored to have shared these years with you and your stories of life. Thank you for continuing to remind me to be all that I can regardless of age. You have touched all of us cardies in more ways than you know!! Blessings always!!
Hannlis…(((hugs!)))
I am so lucky to say that I have had the great fortune to see first-hand the passion for living that Hannlis displays in her personal investment in every topic and every person that are important to her. Everything written about her makes me proud to say I know her personally. She is truly just as AMAZING as her life’s story.
Hello Hannlis – Your words are so very inspiring!! When Jodee reminds us that your birthday is coming up soon, I make sure to get my card to you into the mail. I am about to turn 75, just retired, and will go to my first physical therapy appointment next week. Like you, I am determined to keep my bones working so that I can continue to travel, meet up with friends, etc.
My prayers to you and all in your community.
Take care,
Patrice