REFLECTIONS August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 My family of origin, as far back as I can remember, unleashed a grand gesture of festivities when birthdays rolled around. This value created a germinating bed which fueled grandiose anticipations for the one celebrated; giant expectations, though resources were sparse.Nonetheless, on my sweet-sixteenth, along with the appropriately-themed birthday cake, there lay an ordinary envelope containing what I thought would be another cheesy, sugary-sweet greeting card. And it was. However, tucked behind the back-folds lay two concert tickets to my one-and-only favorite band—The Mamas and the Papas. As a young teen, I would never have conjured up a fantasy dream to attend a concert, and a HOLLYWOOD venue no less. Fifty-four years later, I can still transport back to that day. So what’s the point here? SELF-DISCLOSURE. To this day—WAY past my prime—I still eagerly anticipate some extravagant, devised plan, for an over-the-top day of festivities. But not this year.We have lived in Davao City now for over two months. We are definitely not in Kansas any more. We have survived, and sometimes even struggled with the horrendous heat and humidity, traveling on foot while attempting to find our way around, limited dietary options with local provisions not super appetizing, exposure to distressing poverty, contaminated water sources, extreme isolation given language barriers, and paralyzing terror when we are forced to take public transportation. Just a quiet little townBut then. I received the following text from one of the young midwife students, whom I have worked/trained with in the clinic: “It’s almost your birthday! To celebrate I was wondering if you would like to come over for dinner at our house on Saturday? We can have some minestrone soup and then whatever type of dessert is your favorite. . .?!?”I was overwhelmed . . . moved. And of course said, “YES! THANK YOU SO MUCH!” Now—true confessions here. I am a bit uncomfortable in a situation where I am receiving an inordinate amount of attention. So believe it or not, I was a little apprehensive as we walked to the girls’ apartment, climbed an uncanny flight of stairs to reach the front door. We stepped inside, and there in the center of the dining area, sat 10 young women, smiling from ear to ear while exclaiming, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERRY!!!!” I was so overwhelmed by the presence of all of these beautiful people, whom I have only known for a couple of months, choosing to set aside their rigorous and demanding academic assignments, their free evening off from the clinic to sit at a birthday table for someone who could be their grandparent. Outta bounds!I was escorted to the kitchen by Emma, the Party-Planner, to serve myself a bowl of delicious, homemade minestrone soup, fresh-from-the-oven bread, and the best tasting butter you have ever sunk your teeth into. While we all gobbled up the scrumptious meal offerings, the girls asked us to share “Our Story” with them. We reminisced and took a trip down Memory Lane. They were curious about how we met, our dating history, and our fancy wedding which never occurred BUT rather an elopement to Washington where we tied-the knot-in a judge’s chamber. Fun was had by all—especially Rick, whom the girls thought was hilarious with his quippy antics. The corker was when he pulled up a picture of us just after we had both gotten perms when we were in our early years of marriage (why????). He got a very satisfactory round roaring of hilarity. The party did not end here. The meal concluded with the most flavorful, tart-perfection go-big-or-go-home lemon bars any citrus-craver would approve. Following was just a few seconds there was silence at the table, until. one by one, each of these young women looked me squarely in the face, and shared what they appreciated about me. It was an astounding bouquet of loving, thoughtful, sharing.I was beyond stunned. Humbled. Deeply grateful. Author: Sherry Gregory Uncategorized
Oh Sherry, this makes me so happy to read! I’m so glad you were celebrated in such a kind personal way on your birthday even though you are on the other side of the world! The Lord just loves to bless His kids! You are always such a blessing to everyone you encounter! Those young ladies are a beautiful representation of being the hands and feet of Jesus! Praying blessings on you all!!Reply
Happy Birthday sweet firmed!! God bless this new year with more adventures and more love! You are being blessed I can see by the Lord you serve with such joy and love!Looking forward to celebrating and hearing more stories Shery!! Smooches and hugs!! 💕🙏🏼🙏🏼😘✌🏼😊Reply
THANK YOU, CHRISTINA, FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE. SO THANKFUL FOR GOD’S FOREVER GRACE IN OUR LIVES. AMEN!!Reply