JAMAICA Observer online readers have found inspiration in the story of Mathias McDonald -- a Smithville, Clarendon native who, at 109 years old, is still actively farming. A father of 10 McDonald , who goes by the nickname "Brother Man", told the Sunday Observer that he had no regrets choosing a career in farming and that it is God who is keeping him alive. The story was published on Sunday, McDonald's birthday, under the headline '109-year-old man still tills the soil' Here are some edited comments:

yooaw

OMG that's awesome! Reason why he lives so long is 'cause Jamaican food and nature is natural.

Yadda

Wow! Pops you have it down pat. Good going.

john Campbell

Congratulations to you, Mr McDonald. You may not get to see this or read this, but I hope a family or friend can tell you. I feel proud even when am a stranger. My grandma made it to 104. Her daughter, who is my mom, made it to 100, so centenarians are strong in my family. Most other family went on to the 90's, too, on my father side. So I know how to appreciate long livers like you. So, again, congratulation and may you continue to enjoy the extra days the good lord has bless you with.

The Cat

Continued blessings from the Most High "Brother Man." Kudos to your children for their care of you. Blessings will be showered on them always.

ESTEBANAGOSTOREID

Great story. Keep on batting, pops. Wishing you the best going forward !!

cbJohn-NewYork

Good, clean living will do it every time.... God bless him. My father was also a farmer who died last year at 96. So there is something to be said for farming and just keeping active.

Danny

Brother man, God bless an keep you. I remember you when I was a boy. Always see you at Crossroad by Miss Rose shop on my way from school so many years ago. Smithville elders a God people.

Kg

This is very inspiring. Sir, you are blessed.

erh

Bottle this man up and preserve him.

cardpack

Give god thanks, be at peace with all men, and eat healthy is the way to live long on this earth.

Damion Willi

He has many to teach about our history and all.. I hope someone acquires this knowledge! God has indeed kept him.

Natasha

Honour thy father and thy mother that your days may be long upon the land.... and don't talk much :) is a good way of having long life but it is even greater when you have Christ as your personal saviour.

Jollette

This is the kind of heart-warming story I love to read about. You have to read about the bad sometimes, but please, give us some more of these. God bless him!

Marlene Platt

Happy Birthday "Brother Man". May God continue to bless you. So proud to know you and also to be a part of the community of Smithville. Continue to love your food and be healthy. I know your life and influence will touch many lives and will be around for many years. God bless you.

PoeticJustice

He is a legend in his own right. May god continue granting him his health and that he may see more years on this earth. His spirit is very strong.

CAPTION:

One-hundred-and-nine-year-old Mathias McDonald digging the soil on his farm last Friday. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)