Good Morning World,
WOW – March has really “marched” forward – it’s almost over! This is the start of a “long” weekend for me. I’m not working Monday. In a way, I’m sorry I won’t be at work on Monday because it is our “monthly” PRM (Partner Recognition Meeting) and this is my celebration month (it’s a month behind so we are celebrating February Anniversaries). We hardly “EVER” have a PRM on a Monday. It is usually Wednesday or Friday. But anyway, I’m celebrating 10 Years this month. I think that is amazing. Along with a 10 year pin, I get a $150 gift certificate! I think I get that for the next 10 years – I think we get that every year until our 20th year. I’ll find out next year! Anyway, it makes me think about my 10 years at Moorings Park and what an interesting work place it is. Mostly I am proud and happy to work there, sometimes I’m frustrated, but that comes with working with the “public” and dysfunctional family members, residents with dementia and partners who don’t do their jobs (IMO). But I love so much about my job, it overcomes the other “stuff”.
As an example, on Thursday we had a “celebration of life” service for one of our residents Newton Burdick. His birthday was Thursday and he would have been 99. Here is a picture of Mr. Burdick receiving recognition for his service as a Veteran in his signature “Red” jacket. He was a Commander in the Navy.
Mr. Burdick receiving his Veteran’s Recognition from the Veteran’s Liaison
This picture was taken about 3 weeks before he died. He was suffering and in a lot of pain so his death was a blessing, although he had alienated his entire family and no one ever came to visit with him so we became his family. It happens more than you want to know. Lily finally got hold of his son but still, no one ever came to see him. What a tragedy. Anyway, since we were his “family” we created a wonderful service for him with the help of our “Veteran’s on Harley’s” holding the flags as we came into the Chapel:
Memorial for Mr. Burdick
My friend Amber Phillips took this picture and attended the service even though she did not know this man and I didn’t have any idea she was there until I saw her post on FB. This is what she said about it:
— with Maria Botana, Barbara Schiering, Matthew Schwartz, DrDebi Strand, Nancy Davis Sustersic andJamie Bergen at The Bower Chapel At Moorings Park.
Bower Chapel at Moorings Park
All of us at Orchid Terrace wore “Red” to honor him that day. Every seat was filled in the Chapel. We had 3 Fire Trucks full of firemen come to the service. We had an Honor Guard march in (from one of the High Schools). We had a Veteran give a Veteran’s Prayer and a soldier playing “Taps” on a bugle. The vocalist sang “Amazing Grace” and “On Eagle’s Wings”. Our former assistant pastor “Silvana” arranged for so much of this service in honor of him and Lily spoke also – not wanting him to be shown as an “angel” she mentioned a few of his endearing “flaws”. She has known him the longest and has gone through the most trying to do the best we could with his circumstances. Mr. Burdick was “in love with” Becky. He was such a “flirt”. But Becky was really special to him and we were all sad at his passing, but we know he is now at peace. As an aside, Lily mentioned that he loved our Halloween party where the residents dress up with the help of Becky picking out costumes for them. Last Halloween, Mr. Burdick was “The Pope”. He milked that for weeks and kept “blessing” us all each day – he really did bless us.
So on Monday, rather than going to work, I’ll be driving over to Weston with Doug and Dick to visit with Jon and Ale. Here are a couple of beautiful pictures of their home:
 Orchids in Weston |
 Pool Area in Weston |
I remember when Jon was living in South America, he always had a “gardener” taking care of his “grounds”. I see he is still doing that. I also notice that his former wife, Beverly, is a “gardener” also. I’ve never had that “desire”. I guess it’s because I’ve always lived in “condos” where the lawn maintenance is taken care of by an association. Most of my plants end up dying due to lack of knowledge. I do try on occasion:
 Bill W’s Swedish Ivy |
 & After |
 Dick’s Hibiscus in “Bloom” |
But the Amarillis is gone now and the Hibiscus is really leggy and needs to be totally trimmed off. I may do that this weekend. Maybe it will “come back”. I may replant it over by my porch (lanai) where the other Hibiscus is planted. We’ll see how ambitious I get.
Well, I’m at my 1000 word limit. Have a beautiful day today. I’m going to go for a walk along the Greenway – our residents took a “bus outing” there yesterday to see where I walk – what a hoot! Thanks for visiting!
cathy
Mar 28. 2015
RIP, Mr. Burdick. Thanks for sharing this story. It warms my heart.
Mary
Mar 28. 2015
Hey Cathy,
Thanks for visiting my site today. I really appreciate it.
Love you guys! Made the “Bomb” Chili today. The house smells GREAT!
Steve E
Mar 28. 2015
The last few earthly months of Newton Burdick brought sadness and smiles to all who knew him. Mary, your telling of the story brings sadness and smiles to many who did not know him, so he yet lives in the memories of some, and words of a blogger, you.
A REAL head-shaker for me is the story of your friend from the past, Amber, a stranger to Mr. Burdick, who happened to hear of the service, then attended. Neither she nor you knew she was in the Bower Chapel HA! At that, I had to bow my head as witness to God’s amazing work, to bring old friends together. (Moment of silence!)
Hope you have the GREATEST day-trip to Weston, FL, with Doug and Dick, to visit. Having religiously read your blog “Wylie” since day ONE, I feel like I almost know your relatives…from what (I THINK!) I know, Monday will be a spiritual day all around!
Wish I could post picture of New Meeting Flyer you made here, it is outstanding. You are really talented–OK I’ve used my 180 word-limit!
Have FUN!
Mary
Mar 28. 2015
Hey Steve,
Yes it is amazing how God works in our lives. Glad you like the flyer. I thought it turned out pretty good and I love it on the bright yellow paper – kind of reminds me of my house and car!