Happy Birthday, Mama.
How do you celebrate sixty-five years of life for a woman as marvelous as you? A pair of earrings seemed inadequate. A touching note, a bit glib. A surprise party was too predictable....But a collective gift, involving a community of those who love and value you, seemed perfect. A project for Betty.
With help from Dad and Peter, here is the message we distributed:
On October 6, Betty turns 65 and her family would like to surprise her with an unusual gift. A woman known for her gentle spirit and kindness, we want to show her that these qualities, and her generosity, is valued and important. We would like to document 65 Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) for Betty and we need your help.
The act of kindness doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. A few warm words to a stranger, buying coffee for someone in line, or letting a stranger cut in the same line. Calling another to remind them they are loved. Adding change to an expired parking meter. Picking up trash during your morning stroll through the park.
We’d like you to perform a random act of kindness, in honor of Betty, and send us a note about what you did. Even better? Include a photo.
We will take your good deeds, document them with your name, and put together a book. The goal? To collect 65 RAK’s for Betty.
Also, we’d like this to be a surprise, so shhhhhhhhhh… No telling. But, if you want to pass this on to another fan of Betty B, please do so. The more participants the better! Maybe we can get more than 65!
Thanks for helping celebrate our mother and wife.
Love,
Maggie, Peter and Bob
As you can see in the book we produced, the response was phenomenal. Eighty-five people submitted more than 100 Random Acts of Kindness, all performed because YOU touched their lives.
Mom, you are an inspiration. Especially to me. As a person, I try to model your empathy and generosity. As a mother, your free spirit and creativity. And as a result, I live a more fulfilled life. Thank you.
In your sixty-fifth year, take time to celebrate your beautiful self. Know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and has touched and inspired others.
Above all, know that you are loved.
Your daughter,
Maggie
p.s. A special thanks to all participants...
Sheryl & Gary Ogg, Jamie Kate Johnson, Suzanne Voeks, Sue and Jim DeVet, Bob Breclaw, Mike Thomas, Laura Thomas, Jane Cook, Connie Schmidt, Jon Flath & Tony Quist, Kathy Belanger, Chuck Gunsten, Molly O’Connell, Rich Johnson, Will Spurgeon, Mallory McMaster, Greg McMaster, Todd Ohl, Bonnie McMaster, Judy Fouts, Maizey Spurgeon, Beth Noreus, Carol Ambeau, Linda Holmes, Colleen Spurgeon, Barbara O’Connell, William O’Connell, Anna Noreus, Maria Dismondy, The Gardner Family, Kay Bloom, Danny Larson, Rick Gorenchan, Barb VanErmen, Amber Lippold, Marlene McGovern, Carol Thomas, Dave Martinson, Nicole Martinson, Darby Beckon, Sue Beckon, John Hickner, Val Hickner, Robin Potthoff, Waddy Potthoff, Rita White, Maggie Spurgeon, Dylan O’Connell, Marissa Johnson, Tom Thomas, Kay Johnson, Jim and Deb Dehlin, Anna Hickner, Jen Dilworth, Linda Beach, Noah Johnson, Katie Johnson, Marylin Dutkavich, Teague Freidhoff, Isaac Freidhoff, Gavin Freidhoff, Laura Freidhoff, Joe Freidhoff, Caitlin McMaster, Jim and Alice Hanson, Kerri Thelen, Peter William Breclaw, Linda Yagodzinski, Penny Stupak, Susan Larson, Chris Derouin, Mary Hurley, Patty Heslip, Barb Pfotenhauer, Larry Ambeau, Bill & Katie Spurgeon
If you would like to see an electronic version of the book, email me at maggiespurgeon@gmail.com.
Maizey's RAK for Betty? Free popsicles!
