This week I attended the 100th birthday party for a remarkable person. Held at the Petite Violette, a chic French restaurant in Atlanta, it was a fitting location to celebrate her long life. Her presence alone dominated the occasion and suggested that she was no ordinary woman. Gracious and acutely alert, she greeted her friends and family with her customary joie de vivre and humor. Her vivacity denied her many years and announced her continued presence in our lives.
Dr. Virginia Hein has always been a go-getter, whether as a mother, a doctor’s wife or a professor. Late in life she attended graduate school and earned a doctorate in British History, studied at Oxford, and taught history at a local university. Friends, family and students felt her uncompromising influence but always remained among her fondest advocates. Friendship with Virginia was for life and always cherished.
Above all, Virginia’s life should be a wake-up call for many of us. She has spent her time running toward life, eager to learn, not missing a thing, doing the work and practicing principles too often ignored. It’s never too late to take on challenges or to do the right thing. Hers is a life well lived, a testament to hard work, and a tribute to human virtue, something for all of us to think about. The belle of the ball, she always has time for everyone. I owe her much for her loyal friendship and wise counsel.
Happy Birthday, Virginia.