One of my favorite opportunities as a house manager is getting to throw a Birthday party for a mom or child in the home. Each resident and child is special, so their day of birth is something to celebrate! I'm no decorator, but making the dining room festive and celebratory is a fun challenge.
Whoever's birthday it is gets to pick a special birthday meal and dessert for that night's dinner. Every time, I am reminded of God's goodness and the generosity of our donors—it is only because of them that we are able to do this. For many of our moms and children, this is the only real party they've had. Often, birthdays for our moms can be a reminder of our earthly failings as humans. Their past birthdays may have gone unacknowledged by loved ones or they are missing those loved ones.
In our homes, no birthday is forgotten and I am reminded of the blessing it is to be able to bless others. Recently, I had a mom come home and mention her disappointment that her family never contacted her to wish her a happy birthday. She was clearly dejected and let down. That night, after all of the residents had pitched in to decorate for her, going beautifully over the top with streamers, confetti and birthday banners. Seeing this mom's face light up as she came into the room and saw everything, including requested, heartwarming experience. Each birthday is a chance to shower a resident with love and a bonding experience for the house and I am so lucky to be a part of it!
- Sheepfold House Manager
