Happy 61st Birthday, Ms. Bear (and a Special Surprise!!)

Happy 61st Birthday, Ms. Bear!! I’m beyond thrilled it’s your birthday! Forgive me if I make like a mom for a moment because I just have to ask…where do the years go? They just seem to keep rolling on by, faster and faster every year!

I know I say this all the time, but today especially, I want you to know how proud I am — both to call myself your daughter and to call you my best friend. Your strength, love and light are nothing short of AMAZING and I’m thankful every day that you’re in my life. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I hope you know that I’ll ALWAYS be here for you!

Now, on to that surprise!! I thought it would be fun this year to feature some birthday wishes from friends and family, so I reached out to your nearest and dearest! Don’t worry…of course they all had good things to say about you!! Hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane with these sweet stories…

“I have more fun and endearing memories of Sharon Blake than I could possibly recount for a blog! When I was pregnant, Sharon brought me fresh cut up vegetables every day for lunch so I could eat healthy without all the extra work. She once went to Rockford to get a student’s ID that they had left at a restaurant unintentionally. She bakes my favorite cookies and shares them with me just because. She volunteers her time to so many great causes — Rainbows and Barb Food Mart among them. Doing things for others is “just her way.” Sharon has made a difference in more lives than she realizes in her 61 years. She is a dear, dear friend and I’m so grateful our paths continue to cross! Happy birthday!”

–Jessica, former co-worker

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“Your mom is the best! I remember being a young college girl dating your Uncle Bill and having dinner over at your mom and dad’s apartment. She is such a great hostess and made me feel so welcome in your home. She just made you feel special by asking questions about your life and making you feel so calm. I treasure those times and always think of them with a smile! Happy Birthday, dear Sharon!”

–Lisa, sister-in-law

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“I met Sharon at the ‘Y’ in our Zumba classes. We just seemed to bond (goodie for me) right from the start. I think I had asked her if she remembered one of my cousins that she had worked with, and she did! That was another thing that we had in common. Sharon graciously shared her wonderful almond cookie recipe and THAT really put her over the top with me!!!!! I made her cookie recipe for the first time this Christmas holiday, and it was a hit with my family and friends. What I am trying to get across here is…I feel very, very blessed to claim Sharon for a wonderful, special friend. I send her my very best wishes for a Happy, and Blessed Birthday. Love & Huggs, too!!”

–Lela, friend and fellow Zumba warrior

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“The first time I ever saw the Blake family was way back in the mid-eighties. I worked at The Junction Bookstore and on a couple of summer evenings, I would see them strolling down from Baskin-Robbins to the bookstore. Years later, when I started subbing, I had the good fortune of working with her at Clinton Rosette (named after my mom’s great uncle!). She was always very helpful and was a good mentor. I have seen her handle any number of challenging situations. Her strength was, of course, tested the most when Brian passed. She is a strong, smart and very loving woman, and I know her girls know how blessed they are. I wish her a wonderful year ahead.”

–Linda, friend and former co-worker

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“Sharon Blake is a very special person to me in my life. I had the pleasure of having many of my childhood memories with her and her amazing family. Those memories are very near and dear to my heart and unforgettable. I feel very blessed to have had Sharon and her family in my life. We definitely need more people like Sharon in this world. I wish her nothing but the best and the happiest of birthdays.”

–Amanda, childhood friend of Melissa

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“Happy birthday from the oldest of the sisters to the youngest! I am thinking of a story to bring you a smile. My family had already arrived at the reunion. Yours was last to come. We waited. We wondered–where is she? You had driven hundreds of miles with your family and all of us hoped you were safe and sound. Safe? Yes. Sound? No. You were in a dither. It seems that in the sweltering heat of Alabama, you had pulled into town with the windows down. Wanting to arrive cool, calm, and collected, you stopped at a drive-through car wash. In your haste to arrive, the windows stayed down!!! The water went everywhere. Yes, you were wet. The car was wet. And we were wet — with tears from laughing. We all had a good laugh. And we have since had many laughs remembering you arriving and asking “Does anyone have a towel?””

–Carol, sister

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“Very happy birthday to you! Years have gone by, but inside we’re still the same little girls who played Barbie and caught lightning bugs in jars after dinner. I hope you have a wonderful year, full of delightful surprises and big happy smiles.”

–Elaine, sister

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“Sharon is one of the most loving and giving people I know. Regardless of what’s going on in her own life, she is always the first one to offer to lend a hand to someone else. I have been on the receiving end of that kindness many times and have really appreciated it. There are no pretenses whatsoever where Sharon is concerned. She is as down to earth as they come and just gets on with it no matter what she is facing. When I’m around Sharon, I can’t help but be positive and find my better self. I love that we are the same age and born just one day apart!”

–Pam, friend

“S Swimming, something she loves to do
H Harry, one of her cats
A Almond cookie lady
R Right on time and never late
O Others, puts them before herself
N Nice…”

–Wendy, sister-in-law

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“As a minister, I have been the one blessed to have Sharon as a member of our church. Sharon does what few others commit to do — she cares for others beyond her own family and friends. And believe me, some of those folks have been tough to care for! She has made meals, given rides, listened to troubles, led a grief group, taken minutes at more meetings than I can count, went to a camp out with Brian and the girls, runs the holiday cookie exchange, coordinates the backpack drive for students in need, sang in the choir, served on the Board, makes cookies for all kinds of events, sets the schedule for the greeters every Sunday morning (and trains them!). And as minister, I have called upon her in special circumstances because she is a woman I trust and love. She lives with integrity, hope and faith in humanity even when things look bleak. Thank you, Sharon, for being in my life and a part of my church. And, I just have to say that my favorite cookie she makes are her chocolate chip!!! Yummy.”

–Linda, church minister

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“Wow, so many wonderful memories! I certainly cannot add any more complements than have already been said. I think it is so sweet of you to honor your mother on her birthday like this. I know she will just love it. Sharon is such a positive person! It is always nice to just be around her. I am lucky to have her as my sister-in-law. Happy Birthday to you, Sharon! May your special day be fabulous!”

–Bonnie, sister-in-law

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“Sharon is probably the most selfless and giving person I know. I had the honor of working with her for about ten years that were full of laughter and tears. Something that I always admired her for was when she formed the student grief group called Rainbows. Because of her own grief, and that of her own girls, she understood the importance of supporting students in their sadness and honoring the memories of loved ones lost. Sharon paved the way for her students’ hearts to begin to heal. I love Sharon and am so blessed to have her friendship!”

–Holly, friend and former co-worker

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“Sharon is who I want to be when … If I grow up. Responsible, kind, funny, sensible, talented and generous. She and I were lunching one day when a mutual friend sent me a text with a grave concern. She left her lunch when I did and came with me to the friend’s house without hesitation. I am impressed with her integrity and honesty. She is the ideal humanitarian in my eyes.”

–Bonnie, friend

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“I have many fond memories of your mom (and entire family) growing up. She was always so warm and kind! Of course, I’ll never forget her amazing almond cookies! Her hospitality and kindness are what set her apart. She’s always offering support as a mother when I post about my frustrations and struggles. I hope she has a wonderful birthday and feels how loved she is!”

–Bridget, daughter of Sharon’s childhood friend

We all love you, Ms. Bear, and are SO thankful you’re in our lives! Here’s to a wonderful birthday and happy year ahead! xoxo