Thanksgiving in McCall

The family spent Thanksgiving in McCall and thoroughly enjoyed the rest and relaxation.  We kept the meal as traditional as possible since it was Olivier's first official Thanksgiving and our local turkey was cooked to perfection.  It was probably the best I've ever had.
A wonderful time with the family.

Celebrating Leadership

Last Monday was the 26^th Annual YMCA Heritage Club Dinner.  The dinner is an event my mother was a part of since its conception.  It’s set up to honor and thank those who have given to the Y and the Boise community, both monetarily and with their services.  It’s a celebration to those who commit to a future; helping to make things better for generations to come.  The theme this year was “Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership” and the keynote speaker was Gary Mahn, an icon in the Boise Community.

Mom’s girlfriends, who have been and continue to be part of the Y and community called and asked her to come and bring me and Ab with her.  I admit I had my doubts that this was a good idea.  After treatment, it is at least ten days before Mom is up and about in any sense of a normal fashion.  She had been quite ill since the moment I arrived and I just didn’t see how sitting up all night would be anything but miserable for her.  But she was determined and told Ab and I she would need something new to wear since she’s lost a bit of weight (wink wink – she’s now a size petite 0 – I’d say that is more than ‘a bit’)

Monday came and she staged her day so she would be sure to get maximum fluids and rest.   At 4:30 we got ready and she put on her new duds.  She looked fabulous!  It was an overnight transition and when we arrived to the party she was completely in her element.  It was a wonderful gift for her to see everyone in a single place.  The smiles and hugs meant the world to her.

Unbeknownst to any of us, Mom was one of the people to be honored that night.  Gary Mahn gave a wonderful and heartwarming tribute to Mom and shared stories ofher years of service to the Y and community; the things she did years ago that have continued to make a tremendous difference today.  Abbie and I were aware of probably only half the things Gary shared and couldn’t be more proud (and in awe) of all that she has done. 

We were, of course, emotional messes and when everyone stood to applaud Mom, all eyes were on us and we had to laugh at how silly we looked.  Her girlfriends (who were all in on it and a big part of making this happen) were by her side and I could feel how special this made mom feel.  She has wonderful people in her life and for very good reason.  Beautiful hearts simply attract one another.

Thank you, Ladies, Jim and Gary for a very special night.