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Take a Bow, Mom

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Tomorrow, February 28, is my mom’s last day as a working woman.  She’s retiring after a lifetime of being a full-time working mom.  I am so darn proud of her.

Sadly, I don’t think my mom is as excited about this milestone as the rest of us are for her.  A year ago, retirement was the golden finish line and she couldn’t wait to have free time filled with crafting, golfing, her grandkids, and my dad.  But like in a million other ways, my dad’s passing has left her to figure out a new normal.  And I am sure that retirement without him just doesn’t seem as sweet.

So, that’s where daughters and son-in-laws and grandchildren come in…

We are so proud of you, Mom.  We know that retirement isn’t going to be what you were expecting.  We all miss dad, and everything without him is a little less bright.  But, as much as we love him, this isn’t about Dad.  This is about you.  And we don’t want this incredible celebration to pass in the shadow of grief.

For our entire lives, you have shown us how to be a working mom.  You’ve flawlessly balanced your work life with your home life, never seeming to confuse your priorities and always making time for what was truly important.  You’ve taught Ginny and me how to be strong women who provide for our families.  You’ve taught us to stand up for ourselves, both at home and in our professional lives.  You’ve taught us the joy of success and the strength that comes with failure.  What better role model could two women ask for?

Your retirement is going to be a change for our entire family, and we can’t wait!  We are so excited that we’ll get to see more of you! I, personally, am so excited about having my breaks from school to spend more time with you now! Spring Break! Thanksgiving week! Christmas break! And SUMMER!!!! We’re going to live at the beach this year, so pack your beach bag! The kids are so excited at the chance to spend a random Tuesday night at Nana’s house, and having more chances to play hookey from school. And I know Ginny, John Michael, and Tillman can’t wait for you to have some travel time to head up to Atlanta and hang out with them.

So, you see, your retirement is going to change all our lives for the better. And we know that it is going to do the same for you, too.

We are so happy for you and excited to see what this next phase in life brings your way.  Know that for each step of it, your family is by your side.

All our love and pride,

Katie, Ginny, Chris, John Michael, Michael, Gracie, and Tillman

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