On October 1, Jimmy Carter celebrated a major milestone, becoming the first U.S. president to reach 100 years old. While his family honored this remarkable moment, his grandson shared that Carter is now “very limited in what he can do,” reflecting on the final stages of his life’s journey.
Friends and family gathered in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown, to celebrate his birthday, marking the first one without his wife Rosalynn. President Joe Biden sent a heartfelt message, acknowledging the bittersweet occasion, reminding Carter that even though Rosalynn passed away, she remains with him in spirit.
The milestone celebration took place at the home Carter and Rosalynn built in the 1960s, where Carter has been in hospice care. His grandson Jason shared that this home has always provided Carter with the most comfort and support, and there is no other place where he’d want to spend these final moments.
Jason also spoke about the difficulty his grandad has faced since Rosalynn’s death, after 77 years of marriage, noting that no one can fully understand what Carter is going through. He emphasized the importance of accepting that this stage of life is deeply spiritual and beyond full comprehension.
At the birthday celebration, Carter’s son Chip and other family members enjoyed cupcakes on the lawn while World War II planes flew overhead in honor of the former president. Chip mentioned that Carter is still engaged and intends to live long enough to vote in the upcoming election, showing his continued dedication to democracy.
Jason reflected on the significance of Carter’s 100 years, highlighting the immense good he’s done throughout his life. He also shared how the last 19 months, during which Carter has been in hospice, have been an opportunity for the family and the world to reflect on his legacy.
While physically limited and rarely leaving home, Carter remains emotionally engaged, still laughing and enjoying meaningful experiences in these final stages of his journey. Jason expressed that this time has been deeply significant for his grandfather, a unique chapter of life that can only be experienced at the very end.
People were speechless when they saw what emerged from the sea
A profound sense of astonishment gripped onlookers as an extraordinary sight emerged from the depths of the sea along the Romanian coast. The tranquil waters revealed a wounded dolphin, its plight capturing the attention of unsuspecting tourists.
Efforts were made to rescue the distressed marine mammal, but regrettably, its fate was sealed. Experts identified the creature as a member of the Delphinus Delphis species, a species known to inhabit the Black Sea.
Upon closer examination, the dolphin displayed multiple wounds on its body, likely inflicted by the ensnaring nets of fishermen. The Black Sea is home to three distinct species of marine mammals: the Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus), the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), and the Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta).
Diverging in morpho-anatomical features and primary food sources, these species exhibit unique characteristics. The Bottlenose dolphin and Harbor porpoise primarily feed on fish and benthic organisms, while the Common dolphin’s diet encompasses fish and other organisms found within the water column.
Each species displays a preference for specific habitats, with the first two favoring coastal areas and the Common dolphin being commonly encountered in offshore zones. The Common dolphin is characterized by a bluish-gray to brown color on its dorsal side, featuring a distinct V-shaped lateral boundary that is remarkably light. A pigmented band, varying in darkness, connects the lower jaw to the insertion of the pectoral fins. The dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins range from black to gray-brown.
Newborns measure around 0.80-0.95 m, with adults in the Black Sea not exceeding 2 m (males – 177 cm, females – 159 cm). Highly sensitive to chemical and acoustic pollution, they exhibit social behaviors, forming groups of 10-15 individuals, as well as pairs or isolated individuals. With rapid swimming capabilities, reaching speeds of approximately 50 km/h, they engage in short-duration dives and frequent surface breathing at intervals of 1/3 seconds. Their habitat extends to depths of up to 70 meters.
Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 2 years, and the gestation period is 10 months, with weaning occurring at 4 months. Displaying highly developed maternal instincts, their lifespan is estimated to be 25-30 years. Their primary diet comprises small pelagic fish such as sprat, anchovy, and gobies, along with crustaceans.
Additionally, their stomachs often contain other species like horse mackerel, cod, bluefish, red mullet, sea bass, shrimp, and mollusks. The daily food intake for these remarkable creatures is approximately 10 kg.
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