Mom's 90th Birthday Party

The family wanted to have a celebration for Mom’s 90th birthday, after all 90 years is something to celebrate! We sent out invitations to Family, Trinity Methodist, the Senior Center, the Goldenairs and others we thought might enjoy her party. The response was overwhelming. I cleared out furniture and filled the family room with chairs. 50 plus people joined us and every available inch was occupied. Of course we had music – this is a party for Ruth Mahoney we are talking about. Kathy’s violin, Frank’s flute, Jim’s funny group activity, and a silly song from Amanda and me were concluded by all of us singing Faye’s arrangement of Love At Home. It was a wonderful gathering and I think mom was properly honored.



After the community friends left, family stayed for dinner and a game of Jeopardy all about Mom’s life. Humbly I will admit the boys beat the girls handily..…lucky guessers. The crowning part of the celebration was the out of town and out of state family members that made a special effort to attend. It meant a great deal that nephews and nieces (my cousins) would make time in their lives to gather for her. She loved it! Most of the cousins lingered until about 11:30 that night visiting, laughing, catching up on each other’s lives and looking through old family pictures. A family breakfast at Jim and Jenell’s the following morning was icing on the cake. Betsy was enthusiastically working the room inviting all to Tahoe for Labor Day. At noon, following a group photo, we reluctantly began saying our goodbye’s and peeling off for our various homes. It was a wonderful time. What a delightful family I am blessed to call my own.

Mom is still my hero. Her exemplarily life of love, cheerfulness and service continues to be an inspiration to me.