Mary Ann is retiring! Her last ‘official’ day of work is December 31, 2021. The Arizona state agency where she works won’t allow gatherings due to Covid, so they decided to give her a parade (aka a drive by) celebration instead.
The parade was a surprise to Mary Ann. We were able to pull it off, and Mary Ann had no idea what was coming when her boss, Laura, rang the doorbell at 10:00 AM. Her co-workers stood in the street and sang the song “For Good” (from the play Wicked) for her, accompanied, of course, by Mary Ann’s tears. They decorated with balloons and banners, and also decorations on the cars. Many of her current and past co-workers were there.
Mary Ann hates it when I say that she’s the best ELP at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB). Over the years her title has changed, and different acronyms have been used. For a while it was ECFE. It doesn’t matter what they stand for, but I like ELP because it is easy to pronounce 🙂. She insists that she is NOT the best ELP. I have to admit that I’m biased, but from the support and praise I see from her co-workers, and the families she works with, I rank her as the best ELP.
Mary Ann likes the simple title of “Teacher of the Deaf”. We thank God for her 30 years of service teaching deaf children and their families. She has been a real blessing! And, of course we know that just because she is retiring doesn’t mean she’s done. She will find ways to use her talents to serve others during retirement. I can already hear the comments: what about having fun in retirement? Of course, there’s that too! But Mary Ann is a servant at heart, and that won’t change.
We Love You, Mary Ann
7 Comments
It seems as though the state of FL is losing more than just a retiree, in judging from this week’s featured sightings. I cannot offer enough congratulations on such a long feat of an accomplishment nor can I ever imagine how my sister, Mary Grace, was able to choose such a life-changing celebrity to this world of loving service of guidance through self- empowerment. Please know how proud I am that you are part of my life.
Wow! What a great send-off.! It is clear that Mary Ann has been a great colleague and ‘Teacher of the Deaf’ during her career. It looks like she will be missed. But-she deserves her time to enjoy the fruits of her labor. And more time to spend d with her hubby too! Congrats and love, Terry and Bob
Congrats Mary Ann! Well deserved celebration and wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement. I would guess that you ARE the best ELP in Arizona, judging from the love your co-workers showed with the retirement parade. Hope to see you a lot more now that you and Joe can come to Oregon any time you want – after the wedding planning……….
Congratulations, Mary Ann!!
Congratulations! So glad for you! It looks like you are well loved by your coworkers! So proud to say you’re my sister! Love you!
Teresa
Congratulations Mary Ann! What a wonderful send off! Now, dust off your hiking boots and grab your birding binoculars. . .!
Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes! I am looking forward to retirement!