Mom's Christmas/Surprise Retirement Party

This past weekend I took mom back home for her work Christmas / SURPRISE retirement party. She invited her three daughters to come along with her and stay at a hotel that night. We arrived at the party around 6 pm. They had great food to eat; which was very tasty and off my counting points plan! They also had gifts for all the guests and employees. I thought that was very thoughtful! Mom didn't know it but they also had a surprise retirement for her. She spent 30 hard years and dedication at a place she really did love. I am so proud of my mother. She put a lot of love sweat and tears into her job and the residents miss her so much. Mom received some beautiful gifts but it didn't end there; she also received The Above and Beyond Award, out of 11 facilities she was chosen.

When mom's name was called up there, I said mom they called your name, she said no they didn't I said yes go up there, she said no, I said go mom...She was so nervous and didn't know what to say while she was up there so now I will share with you what she told me.

"I never thought so many people cared for me, I never thought I meant that much, they have been so wonderful to me and people gave me money and their vacation hours and had fundraisers for me, I can't believe it, how am I ever going to thank everyone? I miss the people and the residents and I miss being active, I wish I could go back to work."

Thanks again to everyone, you have no idea how you have touch my mom and her family by your love and generosity. Thank you and May God richly bless each and every one of you!

So we left the party to go back to the hotel. We sat in the hot tub for just a little while and ate again at 11 o’clock at night, we ordered pizza. I don’t think we slept much; I was really tired on Sunday. We never did play our games we brought. In the morning mom tried sharing God’s word with Connie, I hope a seed was planted.

Pam mom and I went to Pam’s church and heard an awesome message from the pastor. How we need to be God’s eyes, ears, hands, feet; that are job here is not done, too many people are dying without salvation. We need to have urgency about the lost. The words that spoke to me were being gentle yet consistent. I think without realizing it I may come across pushing but I feel it’s because God has revealed certain truths to me by wanting to be obedient and keeping in His word. So my next spiritual goal is to work on being gentle yet consistent. I’ve learned that it’s ok to swallow a piece of humble pie, that’s how we grow.

Matthew 18:3-5 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

The video was taken at the end of the night. Once one person heard we were leaving and a bunch of people came rushing and formed a goodbye line. I am sorry the video is dark in the beginning and at the end there is one swear word that I didn’t know how to edit. I played it from my camera. Not very good quality but I think you’ll get the “picture”