Mathis Celebrates 50th Birthday

Doctors Said She Wouldn’t Live Past Three Years

"My daughter was born July 20, 1965," Jean Mathis said. "The doctor said she wouldn't live past her third birthday since she has cerebral palsy. But she showed everybody, she has survived and on July 20, she will be 50 years old."

Regina Louise Mathis has received a lot of love and care these past 50 years. Her mother, Jean, has taken care of her with some help from caretakers.

"I quit work when Regina was born," Mathis said. "I've always taken care of her. I always wanted to be a nurse and I became a nurse caring for my daughter."

"Regina was a good child," Mathis said. "She seldom cried. When she was younger, she could say words, but she cannot talk at all now."

Mathis said Regina and her brother, Arthur Joseph Mathis, lost their dad when they were 13 years old. Mathis said, "there have always been friends here in Pineville who are there for us. All I have to do is call them and ask for help."

"I've learned to improvise while taking care of Regina due to her special needs," Mathis said. "My son built a mechanism which enables me to move Regina to the bathtub to bathe, tools to enable her to more easily eat, and special toys she could use to play with her brother while growing up."

Mathis said one wish is that she had a van with a back door from which a ramp could be used "So we could push Regina into it and take her for rides. I would like to show her where her dad is buried -- that would mean a lot to her."

Regina has been surrounded by things she enjoys watching such as hanging toy chimes, and through the window, she can watch the squirrels and chickens and other small animals outside.

"We have to be very careful in taking her out of the house and must protect her from catching any diseases or getting bitten by mosquitoes," Mathis said. "She likes to listen to music and we're planning on taking her to the Pineville Square to listen to the music. And, she likes for people to talk to her when we take her out."

Birthday cards can be sent to Regina to celebrate her 50h birthday. The address is Box 741, Pineville, MO 64856.

"Please do not send any gifts or flowers," Mathis said. "We're sorry we cannot allow any (visitors)."

Community on 07/02/2015