I have a sneaking suspicion that Grandma contrived to time it just right so that I could be with my family on my birthday. It was really wonderful to see everyone on my dad's side of the family. It's been too long, Kelley family. The service was, as they say, very nice, and I'm really truly glad I went. If I hadn't gone, I don't think I would have ever said goodbye to Pink Grandma.
After the service, there was a lot of food, and this really beautiful cake. Someone was taking pictures, maybe they will send them to me. (wink wink, nudge nudge) Anyway, it was lovely to have my whole family sing to me on my birthday. My parents got me all the right books, too, and wrapped them very nicely, I must say. (I also appreciated the birthday serenade 10 minutes after I woke up, groggy and looking to have a shower. Thanks family!)
When I got up this morning, back at the farm, my birthday seemed surreal. But then I was surprised when some of the work group presented me with a lovely birthday poster, chocolate, and a bracelet! I made some of them hug me. It was very cute and awkward, but I was so touched! Of course, later at dinner, they produced an entire chocolate cake, complete with candles and my name spelled correctly! Here's a picture after we demolished the cake and I realized I didn't have a picture.
Throughout dinner and most of the day, I was also surprised with hugs and birthday wishes from residents and staff. The farm really is a large family. Harriet (remember, I've changed everyone's names) even gave me a hug, which I was not expecting. Jordan also wished me a happy day.
Speaking of Jordan, on Tuesday we had the traditional discussion with the work groups and a few residents. I asked Jordan, who works in the kitchen, and Mary, who only got here last week, to tell their stories to the group. They were so willing and gracious about it, especially considering my last-minute organization of the evening. I was so nervous about putting together this evening for the group, and it went better than I could have imagined. Jordan is a born public speaker. He actually mentioned that he wants to be a minister, eventually. He told such a powerful story about his life and his faith, and he told it with such candor and sincerity. Everyone here is so beautiful. After Jordan spoke (and then returned to the kitchen to bake cookies!), Mary told her family's story. They were evicted from their home the first week of June and had been living in a motel with their two adorable children (Pat and Patricia and 3 and 5, I believe). Yesterday, Joel, Mary's husband, got a job selling carpets, and the whole farm is excited for them. Both Joel and Mary have such strong faith and are so grateful to God that they are here, together, with their children. No other homeless shelter would have allowed the four of them to stay together as a family. I am so grateful to have met them, and I hope Joel's new job allows them to get their own place again soon.
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