My Birthday Girls...

For many years I sang with an amazing choir through First presbyterian Church in St. Cloud.  It was an out reach ministry choir that gave two large productions per years: Christmas and Easter.  I made wonderful friends in the group...something you're prone to do when you're together for 13 years! But there are three women who have become like sisters over the past 13 years.  We are all the same age, and celebrate all of our birthdays together (since we turned 40), and sooo much more! There's been divorce, graduations, grandchildren, heartache, weddings, celebrations, funerals, and now cancer! 

In April while celebrating Julie's special day, Leanne brought up that she wanted to have a benefit/fundraiser in my honor.  I was still in shock from my diagnosis and didn't think we should, but you have to know my Lee! No isn't in her vocabulary!  She knew that summer would be too busy and thought perhaps late August would work best (it was later slated for Sept.15).  She wanted it to include a meal and a silent auction, location tbd.  She would contact my sister Barb and my sister-in-law Jeanie and get the ball rolling.  Julie and Tami (my other birthday angel) would both be key in getting things done.

As I started my radiation, rested when possible and started a new chapter in my life, Lee, Barb and Jeanie were hard at work.  My dear friend Rudy (Tom Ruether) gratiously offered his bar and restaurant...The Pearl Lake Lodge for the event, and also suggested a motorcycle ride to kick off the day.  My folks and many friends in the Walker area started donating auction items as did friends from all over our area.  Invitations were printed and sent by the hundreds and Barb and Leanne were receiving more calls and emails than they ever imagined possible.  Don and I were in total awe of the responses we were getting, the outpouring of love and compassion and the prayers being sent our way.  It was and is so humbling...it's very hard for us to wrap our heads around!

September 15 arrived...a beautiful sunny day!  85 degrees with a slight breeze, God was smiling on us for sure.  The day began with 29 gleaming Harley Davidsons taking off for a 60 mile ride.  Thank you to my brother-in-law Mike for leading the way.  Rudy and his team had been making homeade spaghetti and meatballs for several days to feed our hungry guests and the whole place had been decorated with pink balloons and crepe paper.  There were over 100 auction items...resort getaways, cases of wine, an electric piano, purses, wine baskets, Twins tickets, Vikes tickets and so much more.  I was overwhelmed!!!  Just as I was taking it all in, in walked someone that knocked me to my knees...my best friend from high school.  Bobbi Mattson McLaird.  I had had no idea that she was coming and there she was.  Such a special surprise, it had been 35 years since we'd seen one another.  And the surprises kept coming...friends from years past, friends from miles away (our life-long friends the Bakers drove 6.5 hours ONE WAY) and close friends and new friends and relatives...and on and on...it was just shocking and humbling! Over 300 people came to share this special day with us!  As people kept saying "it was a room full of love" and it really was!  Don and I have never been so greatful in our lives.  It was an amazing day and we are so very thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people in our lives.  Thank you to each and every one of you that is on this journey with us.  It really helps knowing that we have all of your support!  Blessings...Kathy