FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Jan Hughes never thought she’d be alive at 88, but she is.
What started as a birthday lunch with her daughters and best friend turned into a chance to share a lifetime of memories. Hughes has four children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
“God’s blessed me with a wonderful life and lots of wonderful children, grandchildren, and I’m expecting my seventh and eighth great-grandchildren in April,” Hughes said.
Her love story has lasted 67 years. But Hughes’ story is about so much more than the family she’s built.
She’s the original Ivory Soap baby, a breast cancer survivor, and a founding member of the Junior League of Fort Myers, which dates back to the 60s. She’s called Southwest Florida home for 62 years, watching a small town grow into the community we know today.
“We would have to go to Miami to shop or see a movie. In fact, it was just a little town when we moved here,” Hughes said.
While so much around her has changed, the things that matter most to Hughes never have. Her family, her friends and above all, her faith.
“I never knew a day that I didn’t believe in God and Jesus, and that’s my secret,” Hughes said.
Throughout 88 years of life, 67 years of marriage and generations of love, Hughes says the secret to a beautiful life is simple.
“Well, believing in God and putting all your worries on His lap, and I just turn to God whenever I have a problem, and He’s been good about it so far,” Hughes said.
After spending just a few minutes with Hughes at WINK’s recent WINK Listens event, it’s easy to see she’s spent a lifetime counting her blessings. But to the people lucky enough to know her, she’s one of them.