A Memorable Mother's Day

Mother's Day-2011--It is ironic that this is the first Mother's Day that I have spent in Douglas since my mom died in 2002.  And even more ironic, it is the first Mother's Day in many, many years that I have been all by myself.  Teresa went to California earlier this week leaving me with Lucy and Diego.  Of course, the good thing about the pugs, is that no matter what, they are always glad to see me!

I am not one to go to the cemetery very often, but I was able to go today and spend a few minutes there at the plot where my mom is and our Mary is also buried.  Mary, who took care of Judy and I and was a part of our family for as long as I can remember, died three years ago.  She was buried on the Mexican Mother's Day, May 10th.

It has been a busy weekend for me.  Yesterday, our DHS baseball team played in the first round of the state tournament.  I attended the game and it was a great game.  Unfortunately, Douglas lost 4 to 2 in the 11th inning.   The boys played their hearts out and displayed great sportsmanship.  Our girls' softball team won their first game and will be playing Notre Dame in Scottsdale on Tuesday.  I am up for state meetings and hope to be able to attend the game!

I then went to dinner with my high school friends.  This wonderful group of people have started a scholarship for DHS students to attend Cochise College.  We chose two people to receive a $500 scholarship.  Our class is the only class that has done something like this.

This afternoon, I worked at the Mother's Day Cake Auction for the Douglas Area Retarded Citizens.  This is the 48th year that there has been an auction to raise money for this wonderful cause.   I felt privileged to be asked to spend a few hours of my time to assist with raising money.  

DARC has been an amazing program here in Douglas,. I attended their yearly dinner several months ago.  Gary, their director, talked about what the members of DARC are able to do in the community.  They provide "meals on wheels" for local senior citizens every day.  In addition, they have janitorial contracts at various businesses including City Hall.  Gary said that the workers from DARC pay over $60,000 in income tax each year.  This is truly what it is all about.  This incredible program gives these citizens an opportunity to be productive members of society.

For many years after Teresa retired, she did the books and payroll for this program.  After Phelps Dodge moved their western division offices to Phoenix and after the smelter closed, PD donated the old Douglas Hospital to DARC.  My mom was instrumental in making this happen.  The hospital was converted into apartments for the DARC members to live in and enables them to be self-sufficient members of the community.

This afternoon I had a wonderful conversation with Gary who told me how important my mom and Teresa had been over the years in helping to make DARC what it is today.

The three people who started this auction 48 years ago were Mrs. Heizey, Mrs. Elliot, and Mary Causey.  Mary was the mother of my dear friend, Sandra Sanders.  I was talking to Liz Ames, who was the mayor when my mom was on the city council.  As she said, what a wonderful legacy these three women left in Douglas.  I called Sandra to tell her I was there and had to leave a message.  Her mom was one of the loveliest people I have ever known. The first year they raised $150 and last year over $20,000.  The auction is held in the Gadsden Hotel lobby and is carried over the local radio station, KDAP.  It is truly an involvement of the entire community.  

I continue to feel blessed to be involved in all of these wonderful experiences--even when I am all by myself here in Douglas!!!!