Celebrating 60 Years

There were no candles, no presents, no one singing "Happy Birthday", but there was plenty of garbage. Yes...we were at a birthday party...just a very unique one. Our family was honored to celebrate my Mom's birthday this morning with 60 minutes of service to our community.

What an amazing gift! My very giving mother, Joan, wanted each family unit to donate their time, 60 minutes in honor of her 60th birthday. This project was a great way to be "a part" of the festivities thousands of miles away while instilling the act of service within our children.

After a family meeting to discuss what we should do and a few phone calls to the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department, our family was set to pick up garbage in Blueberry Park. Ironically this is our favorite nearby park, only two blocks away from the Little Blue Bungalow, so we set out on foot this morning with our red wagon loaded with supplies.

As the morning progressed, it was great to see how excited and focused our kids were in picking up "their park". After we finished bagging our second trash bag, I couldn't help but chuckle when Fiona asked if she could "make something for Grandma Sugar with the garbage we found". Hum. Let me think...I sure she would have been "thrilled" to receive that 'art project' in the mail. (Smile.)

Thanks for being a great example of love and instilling the act of service in all of us. We'll be excited next year to give 61 minutes of service in honor of your amazing life. Happy Birthday Mom!

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean