Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
My name is Germieke; I was born in the east of the Netherlands. Nowadays, I live in the west with my dog. I love spending time with my friends, reading books, playing cards, cooking, and making clothes.
What is/was your Career?
I shared my career with my husband, which I loved. We did community work, voluntary social work, and we were in it together.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being able to have a family and raise my 2 daughters, Chiara (45) and Carmen (43). And I am also very proud of the fantastic people I have gathered around me. I have such beautiful relationships with them.
Live your life. Do not depend on others!
What’s the worst part of getting older for you?
Losing so many loved ones around me. And the physical downfall strikes me.
What’s the best part?
Gaining self-consciousness, I am who I am. And I am no longer influenced by things or people that do not matter to me anymor
If you could write your younger self a letter, what would you say?
If you want to have the most beautiful life, you can think of:
know that your life is in your hands alone. You can integrate advice people give you in life in your decision-making, but in the end, you are the one making a choice and living YOUR life.
In other words: Live your life. Do not depend on others!
What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?
That my children, grandchildren, family, and friends keep blooming.
Any regrets in life?
I wished I cherished more what I had.
Can you tell us about motherhood?
It was all I wished for in life. I am grateful I was able to be a mum, which was quite a road after my husband & I found out that we could not have children naturally. Adoption was what we decided to do and in that way my biggest dream came true.
Any style tips we should know off?
Focus on the fit of what you are wearing. I make my own clothes, and I have experienced that the fit of cloth can make such a difference.
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
I am 80 years old but feel like 70.
