On Wednesday, many of Mom's friends at Lowell First United Methodist Church decided to hold a luncheon to honor her for many years service at church. Since moving to the Lowell area in 1962, Mom and Dad have been fixtures at their church. With their move to Clark Home in Grand Rapids, it is special that they recognized Mom for her numerous contributions. Over 50 people attended.
While we could not attend, Ken kindly wrote the following letter that was read aloud at the event. WELL SAID KEN!
A Message for Mom:
Dear Mom,
There are many people in our communities that are deserving of accolades, and knowing you, I suspect you are thinking more about who else is deserving of recognition rather than reflecting upon all that you have done to make Lowell a better place. For this one moment, I pray that you can perceive yourself through the eyes of others and see the beautiful spirit God has blessed Lowell with for so many years.
For decades, you have been someone for whom "no" is a foreign word. You have been a go-to person for friend and stranger alike, whether to read a passage in church, teach a class, assume a leadership position, or to sit and comfort somebody. The only lie you have ever told was, "I'm retiring." Retirement for you just meant shifting completely to unpaid work. You have been a model to me and others for expressing your faith and values through action (though I have also noticed no lack of willingness to express your beliefs through words when the situation called for it).
Mom, the older I have gotten, the more I have appreciated the power and necessity of community, and it is leaders like you that make community happen. Very rarely do we celebrate the people behind the scenes that really get the work done. If I only had a nickel for every dish you have washed in the church kitchen! I am unspeakably proud of your legacy of love and leadership, and this moment is very well deserved! I just wish I could be there in person to enjoy it with you!
With much love and pride,
your son, Ken.
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