By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
September 13th was the date, Swiss Park & Hall in Chula Vista was the location and Thelma Van-Anders’ 95th Birthday celebration-appreciation was the reason for the very special gathering.
Family and close friends came from as far away as Alabama, Hawaii, Virginia, Arizona, Atlanta, and the Bay Area to show their love and support to the family and community matriarch.
“My mother is the strongest person I know; she raised nine kids and we are still here thanks to her wisdom, love, and guidance,” shared daughter Tracy Van-McCallie.
The big birthday luncheon had more than enough food to go around for the hungry celebrants.
Featuring fried fish & chicken, add some mac & cheese, corn bread, rice, green beans, and some more good eats and sweet treats, and you have a meal fit for the queen.
“My mother has always been there for me, she has encouraged and helped me no matter what I was going through, I love her to death,” said son Tony “City” Van.
There was a whole lot of unconditional love in the building as the lady of the day got smothered with the recognition and affection she deserves.
“This was beyond beautiful. I enjoyed myself. I’m really at a loss for words, thank you again to everybody,” said the teary-eyed birthday girl.
From great-great-grandkids to friends and every relative in between, all took their turns handing her her well-deserved flowers.
“She is a community treasure. No, I take that back, she is a world treasure,” Tracy Van McCallie shared.
For full stories and photos only published in print, pick up a paper at a newsstand near you, or check out the latest edition of our newspaper on Thursday each week.
