As he nears 100, Dick Van Dyke, 99, makes a touching confession about his life.

One of the most beautiful elements of Van Dyke’s later years is the presence of his wife, Arlene. He writes about her with adoration, gratitude, and almost childlike joy. Their marriage is not defined by age difference, but by companionship. By laughter. By being able to look at each other each morning and choose partnership all over again.

Arlene keeps him grounded. She encourages him to stay active, eat well, move his body, and stay engaged. She challenges him emotionally and keeps his mind sharp. She reminds him that even at nearly 100, life still has the capacity to surprise you, bless you, and delight you.

Van Dyke describes her as “oxygen to my spirit” — the grounding force that keeps him connected to the beauty of the everyday world. Their partnership proves that love is not limited by age. In fact, love may grow even stronger when two people understand how precious time truly is.

A Century of Show Business — and a Lifetime of Gratitude

Dick Van Dyke has survived:

• the golden age of television,

• the changing nature of Hollywood,

• the pressures of fame,

• personal losses,

• health challenges,

• and more years than anyone ever expected.

Yet he remains grateful.

He speaks often about how fortunate he has been:

• to make people laugh,

• to bring families together,

• to be welcomed in living rooms across the world,

• to inspire future performers,

• and to experience love more than once.

He does not see his 100th birthday as a finish line, but as a continuation of a life he has never taken for granted.

He is aware of the fragility of these final years, but he approaches them with dignity, humor, and acceptance.

His Message to the World: “Choose Joy”

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