I was ten when my mother went to work for The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. For the past twenty eight years, she has worked tirelessly to aid those within our community that suffer from the ravages of deteriorating mental health. She is a hell of woman to have done this sort of work for so long. When my sisters and I got word that she had decided to retire, we knew that it was time to celebrate.

We are not flashy people as a family, but we do like the details. My sisters and I worked on pulling together the most important people in my mother's life and pouring some wonderful drinks and serving a savory yummy harvest dinner. Through my house, we arranged simple flowers and laid out snacks that my mother would love. The chocolate covered cherries were devoured within the first ten minutes of the party's start.

My mom's smile was beaming as it always is. She lights up the room and instantly becomes the life of the party. All three of her kids and two of her grandchildren working together to make an extra special day for her. She deserves this retirement and she certainly deserved to celebrate.....and that we did.

We love you Mom. Thank you for being you and guiding us through this life that can sometime be difficult. In the face of adversity, you have taught us to hold our chins high, to smile and to laugh it off.

A very special thank you to both Misty King, who is not only my favorite first cousin, but a heck of a photographer. Some of the shots that you see here are hers. And to my friend and colleague, Jennifer Williamson of Jenny's Cakes, for her elegant artistry and to die for cake. You both made my mom's retirement party extra special.