Mom's Retirement Party

After 27 years of service, my mother is retiring from Children's Medical Center. We started counting down the days when there was only 1 year left and now it's here. My mom's friends held a retirement party for her at the hospital.
Trish is one of my mom's many bosses. She's was one of the party planners. She did a great job!Everyone came. My sister even flew in from Arizona.Kevin, my sister's boyfriend, came as well. My mom's best friend and side-kick, Yvonne. Mom and Yvonne used to run the Medical Staff office. They handled all the students coming through the pediatric rotation at Children's. They basically ran the show. I don't think my mom could have done it without Yvonne.They had a very lovely dinner for my mom. When dinner was over, it was time to cut the cake.
That's Dr. Gan in the background taking pictures. She's another person that is very special to my mom. They've worked together for the whole 27 years my mom was at Children's.
That's the 'group'. All the girls that work in my mom's office.
Dr. Steinberg was her boss for a very long time. When he stepped down as Medical Director, my mom still did work for him. He gave a speech that was really nice. He described all the things that my mom did as part of her job. Now there are about 5 or 6 people that do all the things that she and Yvonne used to do. He said the absolute nicest thing. He said he considers my mom his friend. I don't get the impression that he uses that term loosely so I thought it a great compliment.
Dr Gan also made a speech about what it meant to work with my mom. I thought I was going to cry. It's nice to know that my mom affected so many people in such a good way. How fortunate mom is that she has worked with such wonderful people in her career.
My mom received some 'parting' gifts. I thought that was so cool that all her friends gave her presents. Here my mom is reading a card. Atticus & Harper, my nephew and niece, were all about Grandma.
More cards & gifts.
Dr. Adhikari is the my mom's current boss. Well, at least until the end of next week.
Family table #1. John, Yvonne, Kevin and my sister.
Family table #2 - Cheryl, Mike, Amber, Chantal, Drew and Ed.
The doctors table - Dr. Adhikari and Dr. Steinberg.
This guy is so funny. Dane is three and is Amber's son. Every time I see him he keeps me entertained. I love him!
Atticus is helping my mom put on some new earrings that she received as a gift from one of her friends.
Beautiful.

Joyce, who will be taking over my mom's job, Dr. Gan and mom.
Mom & Dr. Lee, who is one of her residents.

I think that says it all.

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom & Dad!

Mom & Dad turn 70 this year. I'm shocked! I've never really thought of them in terms of age. They are just Mom & Dad - ageless, really. If I had to guess, I would have thought them in their 50's so I guess 70 is the new 50. John & I are looking forward to it.

The "kids" hosted a party for them at the Petroleum Club in downtown Fort Worth. David, who should really consider a career in event planning, did a great job of making all the arrangements.
This is a view from the Petroleum Club in downtown Fort Worth. In the haze you can barely see the skyline of Dallas. It kind of looks like Oz.
Here's kid #2 - John and, of course, me.
Miss Mia looks gorgeous in her dress. She was kind of shy until her cousins showed up.
Mia and Uncle John. He's showing her Cowboy Stadium.
James. I think he might be staring at Cowboy Stadium and thinking about being a Dallas Cowboy. This guy is really into football and he's really good.
The Moms. Judy & Del.
This sweet baby is Dylan. He just celebrated his first birthday back in April. I can't believe how much he's changed since I last saw him.
Mmmm... Cake.
David and Courtney. Courtney, Dave and Aunt Maryanne came all the way from Maryland. We don't get to see them often and it's always a treat when we do.
These three gorgeous ladies are Aunt Maryanne, Judy and my mom.
Are these guys hams or what? John in front, Mia & Dylan and Brendan in the suit.
Dylan just started walking. He was walking around and he found my purse.
This is kind of a dark photo but as the guests started leaving, the Windsor/Chaney kids just started getting wound up. Here they have taken over the PA and are having a bit of fun.
Dave & Courtney Brawley, John & me.
Judy with Jackie & Richard Skipper. Three musketeers. The fourth (Pete) is around somewhere.

I admit that I was a bit remiss in my photo taking but I was having so much fun visiting that I just forgot. Everyone turned out for the shindig. There was a professional photographer on hand to document the event.

It was a really nice time and it was great to see everyone. I think Mom & Dad really did have a happy birthday!