Library Adventure for Ms. Sue Tidwell's Retirement
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When I read Glenn Tidwell’s Facebook post in late June about his mom’s retirement from Calvary Christian Academy I wanted to throw Ms. Tidwell a party! I still do! I want to honor her, celebrate her, and bless her. From the outpouring of comments on Glenn’s post, I’m guessing I’m not alone.
Ms. Tidwell has had a meaningful impact on my life - in more ways than one. She was my husband’s principal, later my boss when I taught at CCA, and then my children’s principal. I’m so thankful for her dedication, wisdom, and service to me and my family over the years. Again, I’m guessing I’m not alone.
The best piece of advice Ms. Tidwell gave me as a first year teacher was, “Molly, just love my kids. If you’re loving them you’ll do your best for them.” Loving ‘her kids’ was always central in her service to the staff, students, and families of CCA.
If you know Ms. Tidwell, you know she’s not looking for recognition, and would most likely be a bit uncomfortable if I threw her that big party I think she deserves. (She won’t be too thrilled with me for this either, but it’s too late for me to be called into her office!) Her retirement should be a marked, celebrated occasion. It should not be overlooked or unrecognized. I was expressing this to some friends of mine, and they asked, “If you could honor her and bless her, what would you do?” I answered I would send her on a trip to all the Presidential Libraries. She has such a love for reading and an affinity for libraries, and has expressed a desire to visit them all. So far, she has seen 2.
Instead of a party, I’d be thrilled to see her take these trips and fulfill this desire. I want to have a part in making them happen- as a thank you and a way to honor her years of planting and watering the love and word of God in our hearts and lives. And in those of our children.
1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
Honestly, I feel like this woman deserves a library of her very own, but for now, I’ll settle for sending her on this bucket list adventure. Instead of that party, the cake, balloons, punch, and random assortment of retirement gifts, let’s send her on an adventure! Join me in marking this occasion- 37 years of dedication, service, love, teaching, loyalty as head of school. Will you make a contribution to her bucket list library tour? When you do, please be sure to leave your name and a note of appreciation- no anonymity! I know she will enjoy the trip, but she will treasure your words and blessings even more. (And be sure to share this post! Let’s get this out to as many people as possible.)
Let’s rise up and bless Sue Tidwell. Let’s recognize her service. Let’s celebrate her contribution to the students and families of CCA.
I've been in contact with a travel agent for estimates on air fare, hotels, and car rentals, for a total of 4 trips with 14 libraries across the country. She put together a beautiful itinerary for Ms. Tidwell's Library Adventure!
Trip 1 - $3000 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 4 states for 6 nights.
(Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas)
Trip 2 - $3500 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 3 states for 7 nights.
(Michigan, Georgia, Ohio)
Trip 3 - $3500 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 3 states for 6 nights.
(Massachusetts, Virginia, New York)
Trip 4 - $2700 to send Sue and a friend to 2 libraries in California for 4 nights.
(California)
Total - $12,700 for ALL FOUR TRIPS!!!!
Let's make this happen!
*Itineraries also include libraries not pictured on the map above in Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia, but not the three Texas libraries.
Ms. Tidwell has had a meaningful impact on my life - in more ways than one. She was my husband’s principal, later my boss when I taught at CCA, and then my children’s principal. I’m so thankful for her dedication, wisdom, and service to me and my family over the years. Again, I’m guessing I’m not alone.
The best piece of advice Ms. Tidwell gave me as a first year teacher was, “Molly, just love my kids. If you’re loving them you’ll do your best for them.” Loving ‘her kids’ was always central in her service to the staff, students, and families of CCA.
If you know Ms. Tidwell, you know she’s not looking for recognition, and would most likely be a bit uncomfortable if I threw her that big party I think she deserves. (She won’t be too thrilled with me for this either, but it’s too late for me to be called into her office!) Her retirement should be a marked, celebrated occasion. It should not be overlooked or unrecognized. I was expressing this to some friends of mine, and they asked, “If you could honor her and bless her, what would you do?” I answered I would send her on a trip to all the Presidential Libraries. She has such a love for reading and an affinity for libraries, and has expressed a desire to visit them all. So far, she has seen 2.
Instead of a party, I’d be thrilled to see her take these trips and fulfill this desire. I want to have a part in making them happen- as a thank you and a way to honor her years of planting and watering the love and word of God in our hearts and lives. And in those of our children.
1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
Honestly, I feel like this woman deserves a library of her very own, but for now, I’ll settle for sending her on this bucket list adventure. Instead of that party, the cake, balloons, punch, and random assortment of retirement gifts, let’s send her on an adventure! Join me in marking this occasion- 37 years of dedication, service, love, teaching, loyalty as head of school. Will you make a contribution to her bucket list library tour? When you do, please be sure to leave your name and a note of appreciation- no anonymity! I know she will enjoy the trip, but she will treasure your words and blessings even more. (And be sure to share this post! Let’s get this out to as many people as possible.)
Let’s rise up and bless Sue Tidwell. Let’s recognize her service. Let’s celebrate her contribution to the students and families of CCA.
I've been in contact with a travel agent for estimates on air fare, hotels, and car rentals, for a total of 4 trips with 14 libraries across the country. She put together a beautiful itinerary for Ms. Tidwell's Library Adventure!
Trip 1 - $3000 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 4 states for 6 nights.
(Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas)
Trip 2 - $3500 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 3 states for 7 nights.
(Michigan, Georgia, Ohio)
Trip 3 - $3500 to send Sue and a friend to 4 libraries in 3 states for 6 nights.
(Massachusetts, Virginia, New York)
Trip 4 - $2700 to send Sue and a friend to 2 libraries in California for 4 nights.
(California)
Total - $12,700 for ALL FOUR TRIPS!!!!
Let's make this happen!
*Itineraries also include libraries not pictured on the map above in Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia, but not the three Texas libraries.
Organizer
Molly Andrade
Organizer
Fort Worth, TX
