A couple of weeks ago,
a stunning bouquet of roses was delivered to my desk ...
I recognized the vase and knew immediately who had sent them!
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| The farmer has a lot of class! |
The time went quickly that day - 3:30 p.m. arrived
and I was called to Carol's desk where a fragrant corsage
was gently pinned to my sweater.
We all walked together up to the gallery where some "busy bees" had
transformed it into a beautiful reception area!
There were quilts on display,
fresh flowers in crown jars,
pretty tea cups and saucers,
on lace table cloths.
on lace table cloths.
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| Cheri, you are amazing! |
Sparkling drinks, coffee and tea
was served to the guests.
Cheri and her incredible kitchen team
had prepared delicious finger foods
which was presented like works of art!
which was presented like works of art!
A keepsake signature quilt was being signed by friends and colleagues.
Sweet words by Sara,
the one who master minded this whole event and with whom I have worked closely in the accounting office for these past delightful years!
There were kind words read from former co-workers and a sweet note from our Becky.
I fought hard to hold back the tears.
On a lighter side,
Trevor, Derek and Fred - our very own blue grass trio - performing a revised version of Bill Monroe's Georgia Grebel Rose!!!
I heard someone say it was worth coming to the party just to hear this song!
I loved it!
I heard someone say it was worth coming to the party just to hear this song!
I loved it!
Beautiful gifts were presented - all so unnecessary but greatly appreciated.
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| President Susan Schultz Huxman presented this Hebron Glass Pitcher. Little did anyone know that it matches the water glasses that we purchased in Israel a few years ago! |
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| A framed quilt block - I love this! Thanks Sara! |
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| They saved the best for last - a stained glass panel designed after the Grebel Chapel windows - this was such a surprise! |
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| Thank you Ruth - you are a dear friend! |
And then there were a few words from Ruth.
It was she who gave me this poem by Elizabeth Ryan Decoursey - which set the tone for this party:
Life is like a patchwork quilt and each little path is a day. Some patches are rosy, happy and bright, and some are dark and grey. But each little patch as it's fitted in and sewn to keep it together, makes a finished block in this life of ours, filled with sun, and with rainy weather. So let me work on Life's patchwork quilt through the rainy day and the sun --- Trusting that when I have finished my block the Master may say "Well Done".
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| There were even quilt decorated cookies!!!! |
I shall miss you all ................. thanks for such a wonderful send off!!!
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| Found the perfect spot for the quilt patch! |
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| A beautiful hand made "quilt" card that everyone signed - such a nice gesture! |
There's a USB stick, thanks to Danielle, our Winter Term Marketing Assistant,
who took most of these pictures - now I know why they call them "Memory Sticks"!
You, my dear, are well loved! What a great party, a loving send-off, and a poignant so long for now. Let the fun begin! Have you started a new quilt already?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing for your colleagues to do! I can see that you are loved by all of them and that you'll be missed. Now begins the next part of life's adventure, and I can tell that you are up for it!!! Congratulations on your retirement!
ReplyDeleteOh Rosella, how wonderful that you had such a thoughtful and lovely send-off. The Blue grass trio are fabulous. I can see that you will be dearly missed and that you were able to make a good impact on your co-workers. What a blessing. Those cookies are so darn cute.
ReplyDeleteI could go on and on...
Congratulations and may God fill your retirement days with contentment!
What a perfectly lovely retirement party! That must have filled your heart to the very top!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you! You're retiring just in time to lavish your time and love on that new grandbaby!
Congratulations of your retirement. It looked like a fun party and the quilt theme was perfect. I love those quilt cookies! Good luck with some free time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful send-off! Bittersweet...I'm sure. Congratulations and best wishes on the rest of the journey!
ReplyDeleteRosella, congratulations on your retirement. Judy took the words right outta my mouth.....bittersweet. Letting go of what you clearly enjoyed doing to anticipating all the good that the Lord has waiting for you. May you be richly blessed with joys in the moment as this new path unfolds before you.
ReplyDeleteRosella, congratulations on your retirement! I'm so happy for you! It looks like your co-workers gave you a very special send-off, complete with a quilting theme!. I enjoyed the video! Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!
ReplyDelete