Dear friends,
I am writing this to thank you all for coming to my birthday party on Oct. 28th. You made it such a beautiful memory for me. I have lived here for the past 30+ years and I did not think I could be surprised still by the way this community functions.
To see so many of my friends from church and the general community at a party for me humbled me — so many of you said lovely things about me as you addressed the crowd. You know, I am just an ordinary person who can, at times, be quite (un)nice but you all seem to have a great deal of love to share, especially with me and my family on that day.
Not only was I showered with words of love and praise but received many gifts as well. Some of you brought gorgeous flowers you had grown in your gardens; others brought gifts that were handmade. The flowers lasted almost two weeks!
Everyone I spoke to praised my family, from the presentation of the party, with all its hard work, to the fact that individually they are talented inasmuch as they all sing and play music. But friends, the greatest thing I remember from that great day was when a friend from Sydney said to me, “Win, I never knew what a great community you live in — you are so lucky!” and so I am.
That comment came about because this friend saw that some gentleman guests had, like perfect friends, taken themselves into the kitchen to wash dishes! For that my family wish to present you with medals!! Please accept the thoughts in this letter as a substitute for such a presentation!
Now we have to wait another 10 years to do it all over again!
Thank you all FOR EVERYTHING.
