Mom retires...surprise!

Happy retirement, Mom!

My mom's coworkers lured her here for someone else's retirement party. There she is carrying a gift for said retiree; she even bought a ticket to come to the party!

And surprise her they did. She was shocked and overwhelmed. Her colleague Lisa Marie was MC for the night and kept us laughing with stories and jokes. Senator Brewer, Dr. Rock, Maria (mom's boss of many years) and other colleagues had many words of praise, thanks, love and congratulations. By the looks of the gifts they all know she wants to work in her garden and just get OUTSIDE!

There were also MANY friends and neighbors in attendance for this special occasion. Sue and Steve Donald were a part of our "head" table.

Aren't we all gorgeous!? Jim, Doug and I met up at a local restaurant called Pinnochio's prior to the party, sat at the bar to catch up and have a few chuckles. (They were of course recognized fairly immediately by some hometown locals.) 


A very special thank you goes out to all of my mom's colleagues (especially the party-planners!) for the wonderful party, all the lovely words and speeches made for her and for keeping the whole thing a secret! Also, I send a big thank you to mine and my brothers' spouses (Bob, Sarah and Suzanne) for holding down the home forts so we could attend the event. Thanks!

Happy retirement, Mom. We love you! 

Liz, Bob, Jim, Sarah, Doug and Suzanne