Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day weekend is always full of activity at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Moms and caregivers of all ages are celebrated throughout the campus – from new moms in the Child Development Center to our more experienced resident moms and everyone in between. It is a time to offer thanks to that special person who loves us unconditionally.
Moms dropping kids off at the Child Development Center had the opportunity to relax before heading out for the day with a breakfast of muffins, fruit and coffee. The Center Galley was decorated with pictures of family and inspirational quotes. Infant room teacher Maryanna Stufflebeem observed that moms still came with their kids and made sure they had their breakfast before serving themselves. “Even on this day for them, they are still putting their kids first,” she said.
Friends and family members honored residents for Mother’s Day by sending beautiful flower bouquets that filled the lobbies upon delivery. Around 200 people gathered together for a special lunch in the Promenade dining room, the largest dining event of the year. Ida Hargrove, a dining employee, volunteered to work the event for the sheer enjoyment of being there. Ida commented, “I love the residents and serving them.” The menu included fried chicken, shrimp scampi, veal marsala, an omelet bar and scrumptious deserts. Guests participated in a raffle to win fun gifts.
Mother’s Day is a day of recognizing love and nurturing as well as celebrating the wisdom of mothers of all types and ages. Milania Marzouk, a mom and teacher in the Child Development Center, describes her experience as “needing enough energy for early morning wake ups, midday melt downs and nightly tuck-ins which include a million hugs, kisses and ‘just one more story.’” A resident who is about to celebrate her 107th birthday, was asked to offer some words of wisdom to those just starting out. “Patience,” she said. “Keep on and you will adjust.”
It is truly a day of showing love and appreciation to those who work so hard to give us so much. Thank you to all of our wonderful mothers!