Well you've waited long enough:) Just got in last night and I have to admit the mission was a complete success! I couldn't post about my plans because my mom is my most loyal reader. It would blow the surprise for sure. So I had to be all sneaky;)
Thursday morning the Chicks and I took off for Illinois. Our mission...to shock the socks off my mom. Thursday we spent the night with my friend Marylynn and then the next day, after my mom had left for work, my sidekick (a.k.a dad) helped us clean up the house and get ready for our stay.
That afternoon we surprised mom by walking in on her at work. She has worked for 23 years at a union hall and they were having a retirement open house party for her. She was in back making the punch, and when she saw us she stopped...her mouth dropped open and she looked confused. Then it all sank in and she started bawling. IT WAS AWESOME!!! Let me tell ya, it's hard surprising my momma. We usually talk several times a day and I'm an "open book", so for me to not let it slip or for the girls or dad not to spoil it...well it was a miracle:)
It started at 2:00 and lasted until 6:00! My girls were unbelievably good. They didn't complain at all until almost the very end, and then it was written all over their faces how incredibly bored they were:)
That's a long time to just sit around with nothin' to do. OOHH I love my girls.
We got to catch up with a lot of old friends. These sweet people taught me Sunday School when I was Big Chick's age. It was wonderful seeing them again...this time as an adult.
So many people came up and told me how much my mom meant to them and how she was going to be missed. I was so proud of her.
She has sat at this desk for 23 years. I remember coming into the hall when I was little and she helped type out my book reports. I would call her when I got home from school... I would bop in and say hi. Just a lot of memories.
It hasn't always been the best atmosphere for her to work in. She's had a lot of trials and worked with some difficult people. But her light and love for the Lord has helped her be a tremendous witness with all walks of people there.
This painting hangs in her office. It's so dated and old, but every time I look at it I think of my mom. God placed her in that office and used her day after day to be a blessing. She shared her faith. She prayed with people...she led several to the Lord. I am so proud of her. Time for her to move on to bigger and better things in the next chapter in her life:)
Have a blessed day.
BTW I missed you!!! My parents internet was down, so I was going through major blog withdrawal. So glad to be home and back in touch:)
