Loretta, who is known for her contagious smile and ginormous sweet tooth, was having a hard time finding reason to smile lately. Chronic health issues and missing her loved ones, who had been keeping their distance during the pandemic, contributed to her doldrums. As her 95th birthday approached, the family wanted to surprise her with a celebration that would give her something to smile about! Loretta’s visiting hospice worker, Inga, knew that Dreamweaver Foundation would be honored to help the family make Loretta’s dream of reconnecting with loved ones come true!

In preparation for the April 16th celebration, Loretta’s daughters Janice and Linda quietly spread the word to family and friends. They chose a menu for the picnic lunch at the family home that centered around one of their sweet mom’s favorite things: Cake!

Just as their mom taught them while they were growing up, the loving daughters had no problem rolling with the punches and moving the party inside when the forecast called for rain. When Loretta woke up the morning of the party and saw the girls preparing for guests, she knew that they were up to something! She was so touched when she learned that they were having a party in her honor, and she insisted on getting dressed up in her prettiest pink outfit for the happy occasion.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by Loretta’s smiling face. She was thrilled that her sister could attend and that her pastor made a special trip out to bless the meal. The cake and flowers were the icing on the cake of a wonderful afternoon spent celebrating Loretta.

Loretta’s daughters tell us that their mom is still smiling and marveling about the surprise party, repeatedly saying, “I can’t believe it.” Janice and Linda say that they are still smiling about the party too—and are thankful that they were able to pull off such a sunny celebration on a rainy afternoon!

Thank you to Aseracare Hospice for nominating Loretta to receive this dream, and to Sun Mart and Hometown Floral in Falls City for your help in making this a wonderful day that the family will not soon forget (or stop smiling about!).