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Brenda Meade gives her grandmother Helen Cook a hug during a surprise birthday party to celebrated Cook's 100th birthday Saturday at Miller's Merry Manor in Middletown. Photo:The Herald Bulletin |
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Robbie Lawson shares a laugh with his grandmother Helen Cook during a surprise party celebrating her 100th birthday Saturday at Miller's Merry Manor in Middletown. Photo:The Herald Bulletin |
Kathy McCollum, activities director at the Miller's Merry Manor in Middletown, brings Helen Cook to her surprise party for her 100th birthday Saturday at Miller's Merry Manor in Middletown. Photo:The Herald Bulletin |
Helen Cook received a letter from the Bush White House during her 100th birthday party Saturday at Miller's Merry Manor in Middletown. Photo: The Herald Bulletin |
by Lynelle Miller
January 21, 2007 - Helen Cook was speechless. Her eyes welled with tears. “It’s just wonderful,” she said wiping her eyes with a tissue.
More than 50 of Cook’s family and friends — some from as far away as Louisiana — turned out Saturday afternoon to celebrate her 100th birthday.
The best part? It was a huge surprise.
Cook is a resident of Miller’s Merry Manor of Middletown and was chosen by Never Too Late, a Hoosier-based organization whose primary purpose is to reach out to people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs and adult day care facilities — regardless of age — and help make their dreams and wishes come true, as a wish recipient.
Helen’s dream? To be with her entire family for her birthday.
The staff of Miller’s has been working non-stop, secretly, to plan the special day for weeks.
“We brought in all her favorite foods,” said Jenny Stiller, admission/social service director. “She loves friend chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. Just down home cooking. We also worked with her family to get everyone invited. We asked her, without her knowing why, what all favorite things were.”
Lee’s Famous Recipe in Anderson catered the event and had everything from green beans and pasta to fried chicken and rolls.
With lots of balloon bouquets and fresh flowers, the staff decorated the activity area in Cook’s favorite color — pink.
“Everything is so beautiful,” said Cook. “I’m so surprised.”
Along with presents, lots of cards and a four layer cake topped with pink icing flowers, a candle boasting the number 100 and a porcelain Precious Moments ornament, Cook was handed a special surprise straight from the White House.
“I e-mailed and called the White House months ago and requested it,” said Stiller. “It arrived a week ago and I’ve been hiding it in my office.”
When presented the card, Cook’s eyes welled again with tears. “They’ve done so much for me.”
According to Cook’s family members as well as the staff at Miller’s, Cook deserves even more.
“She’d do anything for you,” said Dale Cook, Anderson, when describing his mother. “She loves people and cares so much about them. She’s all the time worrying about me and I’m 67.”
“She’s a phenomenal lady,” said Stiller. “At 99, she was still living at home. She only came here last September after she fell and broke her pelvis. She’s always looking out for and praying for others. She deserves to be honored.”
Cook had a big day but never lost her smile. Through five-generation photographs, cutting the cake, hugging and kissing children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Cook managed to make everyone laugh with her witty comments.
“She’s such a card,” said Robbie Lawson, Cook’s grandson from Tennessee. “She’s been a big inspiration and has so much knowledge. She’s so fun to be around and she’s always cutting up.”
Even at 100, Cook is very active. “She’s more alert than I am half the time,” said Gayl Plank, Cook’s daughter who lives in Indianapolis.
She enjoys being part of the activities at Miller’s, attending church events and being outdoors. “She asked to go out and rake the leaves last fall,” said Stephanie Ingram, administrator, as she laughed. “She has so much spunk and loves being outdoors.”
Total, Cook has more than 119 family members. She has six children, 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-great-grandchildren and 10-plus stepgrandchildren.
Admitting she was overwhelmed with all the attention, Cook added, though, that she was overjoyed to be with so many of her family members during her celebration.
Cook’s actual birthday fell on Friday and when asked how she felt about turning 100 she paused, smiled and replied, “It was just another day.”
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