Birthday Bash

Granny here,

Last night was a night to remember to say the least, it was the Birthday Bash given for my 95 year old mother Effie (Ellie) Irene Ratliff given by her church family Zion Assembly Church of God here in Cleveland Tn.

It was a total surprise to her and she was taken off guard but being the bashful person that she is no emotions were shown on her part. She took it all in stride as she does anything that comes before her. She is strong that way and never gives in.

A mini "this is your life" was given by the pastor Todd McDonald with information provided by one of the daughters being myself. Her nephew Wade (Hughie) Phillips gave a personal summery of knowing her through the years.

Then she blessed everyone with a song which was four verses long and she didn't miss a word. Granddaughter Sherri Bush filmed it all and placed the singing portion on You Tube for all the world to see, I hope she goes viral. LOL

Good food, good friends and some family made the evening one to remember because at this stage we do not know how much longer God will allow us to be together, so far our family has been blessed beyond any of our expectations.

The family is going through several emergencies at this time in Ohio. Ellie's son Montie age 77 is waiting for bypass surgery on March 30, daughter Lisha's husband came down with a bad case of TMJ and they were unable to make the trip.  Another son Rick's wife Pat is entering the hospital on Tues. for back surgery and if that isn't enough Pat's father had a stroke Sat. night and her niece was rushed into emergency surgery for her appendix. So needless to say none of these were able to attend the party and that was certainly a disappointment to all.

The family members that did attend were daughters Lelanni Anne and husband Jim, Debbie and husband John, and oldest daughter Billie. Two grand daughters Sherri Bush and Tina Anderson, one great-great grand daughter Araya Sutter and one nephew Wade H. Phillips who is the Presiding Bishop of Zion Assembly Church of God and his wife Dale.

Thanks to all who took time out of their own life to add some joy to someone else's, thanks for all the birthday cards, gift cards and money, it is greatly appreciated. She will have lots of conversation material when her only living sibling a sister who lives in Spain calls her which she does everyday.

It was fun reminiscing and talking to old friends about her life, the food was good and we had plenty of it thanks to all the good cooks that attend that local church.

Thanks again, it's moments like this that make you appreciate the people who will take time to add a moment of unforgettable memories to a 95 year old's life.

Thank You So Much

Granny here, just saying!