A Milestone

This week I had the privilege to join my mom for her 90th birthday - what an honor!  Here's the rundown:

~ I get a call from her friend, Marianne, asking if we can possibly come to a surprise party to be held in Mom's honor at the church in little Kamiah, Idaho.  Of course, we had to go - how could we miss that?  Then I get a call from my brother, Hugh, saying he's planning on being there but wants his appearance to be a surprise to Mom.  So, I keep my mouth shut and swear my family to secrecy, too.  Jacob asked how strong Grandma's heart was...

We arrived in Kamiah Tuesday evening and spent time getting caught up with Mom.  The next afternoon, we headed out for a scenic drive and a latte in Grangeville, about a half hour or so away.  Our plan was to get back in time to go to church with her where they were having their weekly potluck.  Of course, she had no idea what was really in store for her.

Well, we got to Grangeville after toodling along the scenic road.  We got our drinks (sadly they were not Starbucks) and, at Mom's suggestion, we decide to take another route back because she's sure she can remember how to get there... yep, you guessed it, that was not a good idea.  I took full responsibility for listening to a non-driver.

We finally arrived back at the church 45 minutes late (I had been texting Hugh throughout the day, so he knew what was up).  Mom commented that there were way more cars than usual... so, we walk in the door, where she was greeted with a rousing 'Happy Birthday'.  Yes, she was really surprised.  Then, we walked back to where the food was being served, turned the corner (yes, I had my camera ready) where Hugh handed her a plate of food saying something like 'Here's a plate of everything you like."  Then, it registered who was standing there!  What a moment!

Then, after collecting herself a bit, she remarked 'I don't like any of that'.  She's good at those bold short statements.  Turns out that the party was the Wednesday evening church service - man, does she rate or what?!  There were probably 60 or so people there from her various activities around the town over the last several years.

What followed was a roast of sorts with various family and friends, especially those she's known and labored beside for many years in YWAM, sharing stories of the times they shared with Mom and my dad, both funny and touching.  I was amazed at how many lives she's touched during her time in Kamiah!  She was amazed, too!  She was also the recipient of many cards and gifts - she especially liked the can of chili Sarah gave her and the box of oatmeal from a neighbor.  Apparently, I have several adopted siblings - Dina, Sarah & Wayne, Marianne & Volkhard, Paula - probably others!  I love you all!

I have to insert here that I am so grateful for Mom's friends that surround her with love and care.  Her friends are wonderful, her pastor and his wife are such loving, kind people.  I pray G-d's blessings over them all for taking such good care of my mom and for offering us such warm hospitality and welcome.  Pastor Bob - you and your lovely wife are awesome!  Thank you to all of you!  Here's a link to the photo album if the slide show isn't working.