Happy Birthday, Gigi

Posted by S on May 9, 2013 in S Posts | 6 comments

My Mom has filled many roles over her 71 years. In our family, she has been Wife, Mom, Grandmother (Gigi!), Chef, Dog Trainer, House Painter, Project Manager, Temperature Taker, Party Planner, Exercise Leader, Math Tutor, Chauffeur, Furniture Repairer, Book Keeper, Landscaper, List Creator, Organizer, Iced Tea Maker — just to name a few. About the only role I remember her refusing is Snake Cage Cleaner.

To the greater community, she has been all those things plus many more.

One of my favorite roles she plays is Community Builder. I love the way she welcomes newlywed neighbors onto her street that is turning over from original owners. She is central to keeping together a group of 30 or so friends from our former church (we left in 1988!), which still gathers for dinner several times a year. She is the engine behind “the quilters”, some of whom do not actually quilt, who gather every Thursday night for dessert and quilting (or not), sharing their cares, hopes, disappointments, and victories.

And she is always ready to share a glass of iced tea or a Krispy Kreme doughnut (or even a Snoopy’s hotdog if you happen to stop by on a Tuesday when they are BuyOneGetOneFree).

To most any request from a friend in need, her answer is, “Of course!” Just last week, I asked her last-minute to host a DC friend of mine overnight. Despite tutoring, handbell practice, and chronic back pain, her email response to me was “Yes indeed. Put us in touch.” And yes… they did meet up at Krispy Kreme.

Her role today? Birthday Girl!

Thank you, Gigi, for all that you are to us. We love you!