A 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY…AND A CRASH!
Apologies
I apologize for missing my last post. Planning two 100th birthday parties for Don, one for close family and one for friends, used up most of my energy and time. But so worth it!
Families Together
In our fifteen years of marriage, this is the first time our two families, from different parts of the country, had the opportunity to meet and interact with each other. It was such a delight for both Don and me to watch them mingle and begin to develop relationships. Family members helped make centerpieces, nametags, welcome boards, and a balloon arch!
Don was honored by certifications from our mayor, Matt Mahan, and a number of local and state representatives, as well as by National Guard Post 858, of which he is a member.
Don, age 18, in his army uniform.
Lessons Learned
Different family members spoke of what Don has meant to them … from “you’ve taught me the values of integrity, hard work, and family and I want to carry those forward” to “I’ve watched your life and see Jesus in you.” What a joy and blessing!
Don’s granddaughter Kate also created a “DON/WASCO (not BINGO)” game in which we all learned more of what happened the year of his birth and throughout his life. Great fun!
Don closed the party by thanking God for His faithfulness over the past 100 years.
Church/Friends Party
Two dear friends, Allison and Frank, took over planning and decorating for the party, which was a huge help to me. They also made some very cute AI photos of Don (included below) to put on water bottles and a welcome sign.
Once again, we were surrounded by loving friends.
Interview
During Frank’s interview of Don, he spoke about our 10 years of service at Rancho Santa Marta in Baja, California. Bob Moorhead, the leader of our group, has been going down for over forty years! Bob was present, and stood to say a few things about the Ranch, which serves mentally and physically disabled children as well as orphans in family-like residences; and school children from up to 60 miles away.
At the end of the interview, Don stood and moved to embrace Bob. Somehow, they both lost their balance and fell. Thankfully, Bob had bruises and scratches but nothing that needed treatment.
Don popped his shoulder out, then popped it back in. He had hurt both his right shoulder and leg, so we took him to the ER, where a through examination showed no broken or fractured bones! What a blessing! But the party ended with a crash!
When he fell, he was immediately surrounded by loving friends. Our caterer, Tony, has been an EMT for 20 years and knew just how to get Don off the ground safely.
How do you know when God is putting His hand on your shoulder?
One of the questions Frank asked Don was, “How do you know when God is putting His hand on your shoulder” (or speaking to you)?
I experienced an answer to that last Wednesday. We had planned to leave Wednesday morning for a visit with my brother and sister-in-law and dear friends in Arizona. Don and I both wanted to go; but was it wise?
We prayed for wisdom and clarity and decided at the least to postpone leaving. On Tuesday evening we talked with Bob and Sheila (my youngest brother) about the possibility of flying into Phoenix on Friday rather than driving for two days.
Wednesday morning, I was in the shower when a clear thought entered my mind. “Don’t ask Don if he WANTS to go – ask if it would relieve pressure if we cancelled the trip.”
I know that thought was from the Holy Spirit. And Don’s answer was that yes, it would relieve pressure from both of us if we cancelled. So we’re resting at home, enjoying time together, and loving our family and friends from afar.
Gratitude
So we are filled with gratitude. For our family, our friends and church, and the goodness of God which prevented the fall from having worse consequences. Don doesn’t seem like he’s 100, but he is. And look at this amazing promise from God, truly evidenced in Don’s life.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
—Isaiah 46:4, NIV
What a wonderful celebration, Carol! You have been granted such a fantastic life partner! Wish we were living closer and could pop over for a good long chat and get to know him first-hand. Also, wish a long chat with you were possible — miss you much.
Oh Kate, that would be awesome. I would love to sit together for a long chat, and for you and your hubby to learn to know mine! God has indeed blessed us richly with this precious second love. Hugs!
Beautiful tribute to a blessed man and his Lord!
Thank you, dear friend. So glad you were with us!
What a wonderful occasion. Surely the Lord was in that place! You are both blessed.
Amen, dear friend. Yes, we are truly blessed. How are you and Bob in health and strength? Your FB photo is just adorable – you both look great in hats!
Carol and Don, What a special blessing! Thank you for sharing your JOY filled Celebration! Walking every step with our Lord is a true Victory! God has rewarded you each with His legacy of Love, Wisdom and Grace.
Thank you Pam. It was a privilege to plan and have the parties, and a privilege to share them. One of the things Don said was “I’ve always pictured Jesus right at my side, walking along with me.” What a blessing!
What a fabulous tribute, Carol. Your hard work to honor what seems like an amazing man has paid off. Bravo, my friend!
Appreciate your comment so much Carmen. Yes, God was gracious in it all and Don was surrounded by loving family and friends. Exceeding precious!
Wow! What a lovely party and testimony to God’s goodness! Sounds like he even handled the crash with style!
Imagine when he had to open his shirt for the EMT’s to take his vitals (chuckle) – they said his were the best they’d seen in the last two days! God is good.
That is beautiful, Carol. Thank you for such a lovely tribute. God has been so gracious to you both, and it is a blessing that you have both acknowledged this. We will pray for healing and strength. God bless you both!
Thank you Ina. God has blessed us beyond our expectations. Thank you for your prayers for healing and strength. Love to you and Roger.
Oh Carol, what a wonderful 100th Birthday party for such a special guest of honor, your wonderful centurion, Don! 🥳.
What a blessing to have so much family, and many friends surround Don, and celebrate all these years of life! 🎉 🎉
God has blessed you both richly these past 15 years, and we’re so happy for you!. ♥️🙏🙌
Happy Birthday Don! 💯🥳🎉🙏🙌🥰♥️
Bonnie, I so appreciate your loving note. Yes, we were very blessed to be surrounded by family and friends (which we wish could have included you)! God has indeed blessed us these past fifteen years and you and Tom have been part of much of that. Thank you from Don and from me. Love you!
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! I am so happy for the love you share for each other. I am thrilled that you have this man by your side. We make our plans but God orders our steps. How wise of you to listen to the Lord’s leading by offering to change your plans to make it easier for Don to make a good decision. Again I am taking note on how you handle life’s adversities. Thank you for continuing to show the way!! Your life is a huge blessing to me.
Esther, your reply is so thoughtful and meaningful. It humbles me. I am just as glad you have John by your side. That clarification from God about the question to ask Don was such a blessing to me, and freed us both up to change our plans. You encourage me so often, Esther, and I praise God for you and ask His richest blessings on you and John.
What a wonderful blessing and witness both of you are. We miss seeing both of you & hope we can get together the next time we are in California! Thank you for sharing this story of Don’s birthday party with us!!
Thank you Rochelle. How we’d love to see you the next time you’re in California. Did George have a great birthday? He and our grand nephew are both September 1st. Please give him our love, as we also send to you.
Congratulations to Don! Praise God he wasn’t hurt more seriously especially considering his well-lived life! It sounds like a wise plan to rest after that incredible celebration and unexpected ending. Not at all what you had imagined. I’m certain your family understands.
Thank you Laura! Don is still stiff and sore and we’re trying to get him into some PT for soft tissue injury. We praise God that he wasn’t hurt more seriously! And we are blessed that our family understands our need to change plans. God is good!
What a wonderful day of celebrating a wonderful man that I so admire. His faith in our Lord is so encouraging and to hear Don’s testimony and his life long relationship, trust and faith in God says everything about this special man that I’m proud to call friend. You and Don are both spiritual encouragers and the best example of a loving couple who walks each day with Jesus. Bob truly enjoyed Don’s stories about the war and his invention and would like to hear more about it. Both are interest to him.
Thank you Pamela. We just opened your lovely birthday card tonight. Thank you so much for your gift to Rancho Santa Marta in honor of Don. We both treasure your friendship and appreciate your kind comments. When Don’s feeling a bit less stiff why don’t you and Bob and we go out to dinner and Bob and Don can talk more about those subjects. I’m delighted he enjoyed hearing some off my honey’s experiences! See you Sunday?
Dear Don and Carol,
CONGRATULATIONS and God’s richest blessings to you both.
Thank you so much for sending along those pictures.
From your cousin Mary in Vancouver BC
Dear Cousin Mary, it is a joy to hear from you. Thank you so much, and I pray God’s bubble of peace, love and protection over you as well. How I’d love to see you again! You are precious and I’ve always looked up to you. Your comment means a great deal. I love you!
Thank you, Carol, for sharing this wonderful, and as always, uplifting story of Don’s two birthday parties! (For some reason, this just arrived today.) That little addition about the Holy Spirit prompting you to ask Don a different question was an inspiring encouragement to LISTEN expectantly for the Lord’s promptings. Sending much love to you both
Thank you JoAnn. That was such a meaningful moment that I knew it was from the Holy Spirit, our guide, counselor, comforter. I appreciate your comment. Know we both love you and Joe dearly.