Thelma says beans are the key. Specifically, Bush Beans.

My mom tells me this morning that two of the ladies living in her senior apartment complex were hospitalized yesterday.

We talk about their health issues, and her relatively (she's 95) good health.

"You know, one of the last times I went to see the doctor, they couldn't believe it," she says. "They said, 'Look at her. Just look at her.'

"I didn't know what they were looking at.

"One of the doctors asked me what I do to stay so healthy. He asked me if I live on a farm.

"When I went to Schafer's store a while back to get groceries, one of the women told me, 'You never change. You always look the same. What do you do?'

"And I told her, 'I eat Bush's Beans.'"

So, there you have it. Open a can of Bush's Beans. Live long.

I share this story for a reason. We're not here forever. We have a relatively short time on the planet, and while it seems like "we grow old," I'm not sure that's accurate.

In most cases, we live as long as we can. We learn things, we raise kids, we work at our chosen profession. We have hobbies and habits. We do some things well, and some things horribly. 

Early on, we live with our folks and they guide us. 

Later, we help them live, as they helped us learn to live.

And, if we can, we're there at the end.

Phyllis Ambrosius passed away yesterday. 

She's the mom of Mary Braemer, one of our best friends for the past 25 years or so. 

Phyllis raised great kids (all girls), taught them how to live and prosper and grow and raise their own great kids, and she was happy to keep an eye on Mary and Al's boys once in a while when we had plans for a Badger football game or maybe a night out.

She was a frequent Words With Friends competitor with my wife, Mary, and anytime we were around Phyllis, a good conversation happened.

Phyllis raised daughters who … how do I say this? … aren’t afraid of celebrations. They understand the value of a good party, and they create a LOT of opportunities to do that.

Usually, a day ending in “y” — or an hour with 60 minutes — is one of those opportunities.

Good work, Phyllis. 

Our parents aren't here long. Know and love them while you can. 

Understand where they've been, what they've sacrificed, and what they do today and every day before and after today. 

Understand why they are who they are, and where they came from.

And as Phyllis’s kids will undoubtedly do, celebrate their lives.

You might want to have a can of Bush’s Beans available for the party.