Aug. 2, at the Hafford Gospel Fellowship hall, a come and go tea was held to honour Mary Sendecki a long-time resident of Hafford.
The day was beautiful, warm and sunny, what a wonderful day to celebrate this beautiful milestone for Mary. Surrounded by flowers, balloons, and her three sons Andrew, John, and Nick by her side, as well as her family friends, grand and great-grandchildren. What an exuberant occasion to witness for all.
The event opened by a prayer of blessing upon Mary by Pastor Conrad Hunchuck, in which he reflected and shared many of the Lord's blessings that have followed her all the days of her life.
During the celebration, Mary's daughter-in-law Bonnie Sendecki, took everyone on a journey back in time of Mary's life, her accomplishments, and dedication, also her secret to longevity. Often I would ask her "Mother what is your secret to longevity?" Her response was always given with great diplomacy, "Lots of rest, pray every day, live from the land, and never, never use chemicals."
The journey back in time reflected many colourful strokes of a paintbrush, thus creating a tapestry woven in love, hope, faith, endurance and perseverance.
Mary learned early in life that hard work was the only answer to a successful yet simple life. Presenting kindness to all, lending a helping hand, and welcoming all into her home. She shared many hours with her friends, family and later years with her grand and great-grandchildren. This was an important piece of her life. Booklets adorn her treasures documenting every name, visit date of arrival and date of departure.
Congratulatory messages were received from the Queen of England, Prime Minister of Canada and from other provincial and federal dignitaries. These were read respectfully by some of her great-grandchildren - Wyntr Scheres, Natelka Sendecki, Krystiyan Sendecki, Ashton Sendecki, Ayden Sendecki, and Jordan Reed.
The floor then was open to her guests to say a few words, which was responded to quickly offering words of wisdom, stories and reflections of days past of this noble lady.
The singing of the traditional Ukrainian song, Well Wishes, in Mary's language was led by Ron Tkachuk with the rest joining in.
Lunch and birthday cake and refreshments was enjoyed by all. Friends and family came from near and far - Winnipeg and Flin Flon, Man., St. Albert, Alta. and Rosetown, Spiritwood, Meadow Lake, North Battleford and Saskatoon.
