This past Sunday we helped celebrate the birthday of a very dear friend. She and I met through quilting and she has unknowingly mentored me for the last 16 years.
By the time we met, she had retired from IBM, but retirement did not mean slowing down. A couple of us younger gals like to joke “that we hope to be as young as Jerryann” when we are her age. We actually say this about several of our quilting friends – you are all admired for “aging” gracefully!
She and Bob will have been married 59 years this month – another reason to admire this wonderful lady. I am also blessed to have a sweet and kind man for my husband!
The happy couple
In the years I have known her she has volunteered her time to our local quilt guild, serving on the board several times and can usually be found on one committee or another. She also volunteered at the local middle school to teach the “wave” kids how to make quilts, I enjoyed volunteering to help with this group also. When Jerryann volunteers for something – you know it will get done! As a member of our “Friendship Bee” she has encouraged numerous new quilters to learn new techniques and so much more than just quilting!
Jerryann has taught me a couple of “life” lessons through quilting. 1) Stop and think – can the task at hand be simplified? 2) Share what you know – I recall the first time she asked my advice about something quilting related – WOW – at that moment I think I realized we all can learn from each other – yes there are always going to experts in one field or another – but you can (and should) share your knowledge. 3) Be attentive – regardless of the situation, if you are conversing with Jerryann – you are her priority!
I would also like to thank Jerryann’s family for sharing her big day with all of her friends. Luigi’s was fabulous http://www.luigisrestaurantgalveston.com/galleryofphotos.html
Most Memorable Moment – The owner singing Happy Birthday in Italian ~ Opera Style! to the birthday girl. (there is a video out there, maybe your grandson will post a link for us!)
Here are a few photos of friends and family members. I regret to say I cannot title all of them – as comments are made I will edit the post.
Love it!
The Birthday Girl!
Ellen – Jerryann and Bob’s daughter. (Her husband, Dave, must’ve been camera shy)
The son – Todd
Kathy – Daughter-in-law!
A little red…..
Marilyn (another sweet friend)
My fellow photographer – Phyllis
Joy – another quilting friend
A nice crisp Pinot!
The Birthday Girl Celebrating
Quilting Friends – Elaine and Pat
Mother and daughter. The lady in the background was a colleague at IBM – she shared a very entertaining story about what happens when your luggage is stolen on a business trip!
Ivy! (with Phyllis snapping photos in the background)
A toast!
The plaque in the background shows the water height during Hurricane Ike 2008 (And this is Bob with one of the grandsons!)
