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Sounds like Libby had a wonderful birthday.  From her Caring Bridge Journal:

Birthdays don't get much better than this!

Yolanda, the Activities Director at UP, had the scene set for a good time party - colorful decorations and polka dot balloons, birthday cakes and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, iced tea, and a table full of delicious finger foods (thanks to funding by Lester!) in the Activities Room. A gorgeous fresh flower arrangement sent by Lester's employer, Star Tex Title, completed the tables, and a homemade banner with lots of bling and artwork by Lester and Libby's great nieces and nephews in San Antonio, topped off the festive atmosphere. 

Then add a stack of Libby's favorite CD's for music, some friends, family, and the guest of honor - our own Libby pretty in orange with a bright green scarf, pants, and new shoes (a gift from Lester), and you have the perfect combination for a great party, and it was! By the way, Susan Gartner told me that when she asked Libby about switching her favorite color to orange that Libby smiled and said, "I'm a new woman!" 

Libby greeted each guest with a smile and seemed to love opening her cards and gifts, and popping a few balloons. At one point I thought she might be getting tired or overwhelmed, and when I commented quietly, "I don't like being the center of attention, do you?" She looked at me with a smile and said, "Yes! I do!" How wonderful to see her enjoying herself so much! 

At one point her UP physical therapist Pia came into the room and spoke some Spanish birthday wishes to her. Libby answered in Spanish and even pulled Pia in for a big hug. Pia was impressed that Libby could manage getting the cards in and out of the envelopes, and Libby helped herself to a sip of iced tea and put the glass back on the table, several times. Pia said, "Wow. Look at those fine motor skills!" Libby beamed, and so did all of us watching. 

Libby enjoyed the long distance greetings by phone to some friends, and she enjoyed looking at the giant (3'x8') poster from the Houston Quilt Festival which my hubby Bill brought in to the party. She was amazed by both sides which were covered with well wishers' messages, and she had already been enjoying the poster from the teachers which is in her room. Then Kathy, the UP Admissions Director, brought in today's mail for Libby which was a stack of cards about 10" high. Libby felt like a  celebrity, and rightfully so! 

It was such a blessed day for Libby, and the best any of us could remember since her stroke! We are so Thankful to a merciful and generous God. 

My favorite part of the party was watching Libby look from friend to family to friend with a happy smile, as she sang softly along with a county western song by Gary P. Nunn, who is a friend of theirs (but that's another story for another day.) Anyway, with a smile on her face and love in her eyes Libby sang softly along with the chorus, 
"Friends, Good Friends, 
Friends for Life 
Anything you need, 
Don't think twice 
My, oh my, how those years go by 
Friends, Good Friends, 
Friends for Life." 

In humble gratitude for a memorable day, Sister #3 Ellen 

 


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