Friday, May 2, 2008

Congratulations Mom....

Although you may not know it, today is not just an ordinary Friday. For one very special lady in Kansas it is a much deserved day of retirement!

Thirty-five years ago my Dad decided there were greener pastures to explore and walked out on his wife and two daughters. My Mom was forced to find a job and become both mother and father, nurturer and breadwinner for two little girls.

After being raised in a "country club" world during the idyllic 1950's this was quite a culture shock. Still, she sharpened her typing skills and landed a job as a receptionist at an Architectural Engineering firm.

Throughout the years the company has been bought, sold and merged but my Mom remained. Working her way up into the Human Resources department. It has been a tough corporate world that wasn't always fair or easy but my Mom always made the best of it and was as loyal an employee as anyone could want.

Several months ago it became clear she was being forced into early retirement. Eventually she and the company reached a settlement and today, just 4 months shy of her 35th anniversary with the company, she walked out of the doors for the last time.......

































I love you Mom, you are my hero!






Be sure to check out more pictures, stories and tributes to mom at 5 Minutes for Mom.....

14 comments:

Paula V said...

Your mom looks so young. You two look a lot alike. Congrats to your mom. Sounds like she's had a roller coaster journey full of God's blessing though. Wow!
Paula

Liz said...

Ok, I just read your comment on Lelia's blog...and read that you are (if I figure right) 44. I want to say, "NO WAY!" You look young and beautiful...so does your mom! Just wanted to tell you that every time I see your photo on a comment, I think how cute you are! Look forward to reading more on your blog.
Liz

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! Tell you more that...

the best is yet to be!

peace~elaine

Amy said...

Beautiful post, Kelley!
I see now where you get your beauty from....inside and out!

God Bless,
Amy:)

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Kelley~
What an amazing tribute...to an amazing Mom. Wow......

You are your Mom both look so young...and BEAUTIFUL!!

Blessing to you both.......

Kim~

Zoe said...

Hey Kelly,

Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Believe it not I do remember your face; I just can't remember where we met (Not a surprise for a girl in menopause).
You and your family are beautiful!
Whatever you're doing keep it up.
You look mahvahlous girlfriend.

PLEASE be sure to reconnect with me at She Speaks. I'd love to catch up with you.
See you next month.
Joyfully,
Zoe

luvmy4sons said...

Wow! Your mom looks great! I can see why she is your hero! That is one great inspirational story!

Joyful said...

Congratulations to your Mom! As one door closes behind her a world of God-opportunities lie before her. May she savour this new path life is taking and rejoice in all the ways God has led up until now.

You and your mom are both beautiful ladies - shining gems. So glad for the sparkle you have added to my life.

Love & prayers,
Joy

Kristen said...

The two of you look like sisters.

I too am a product of divorce - and my mom went from being a stay at home mom to having to navigate the work force. She started out as a receptionist at an orthodontist office and now is the head of a business side of a large hospital here in Indy. My mom will retire at the end of the year...

Praising God today for your mother and the new chapter she begins in her life as she retires!

Susan said...

A great big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to your mom!!

Kelly, give her a hug for me. What an awesome woman she is.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend♥

Still loving this new blog!

Rhonda said...

I hope that this will be an exciting next season of life for your mom.

She is beautiful! And looks so young.

Congratulations to her!!

kcaimee said...

I was also raised by a single Mom...what a hard job in and of itself, but add to that stress of a paid job - Whew! I don't know how they did it. Congrats to your Mom and best wishes for a happy & fulfilling retirement.

Christina said...

Congratulations.

Yes your mom sure does look young. She is a pretty lady. Who knew retirement age could look so good. Did you see the Dove campaign awhile back? There were lot's of awesome looking older ladies. That means there is hope for the rest of us.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Your mom is my hero, too! I love strong women. And, you are both so beautiful you could be models.