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Julia Austin was completely caught off guard by the surprise birthday party organized by Arbor Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
“I was just so surprised by the party it was so nice to see everyone come to my birthday,” Julia said. “I’m always a little embarrassed because I am a shy person, but it was a good surprise.”
When Julia arrived, a big smile broke out on her face seeing all of her neighbors at Arbor Hills at her party but all she could think of was her outfit.
“If I would have known about it, I would have put on a better shirt,” Julia said jokingly.
Arbor Hills Activity Director Brenda Hall organized the party and had cake a juice for all of the party go-ers to enjoy. One of Julia’s daughters, Pam Hengst was overcome with excitement seeing the party and gave all of the credit to Hall and Arbor Hills for everything they do for her mom.
“I feel very comfortable having her here, if anything goes wrong, they will get in touch with me, they are great at communicating what is happening with her,” Hengst said. “It’s just very relaxing, and I know some people can’t say that having their parents in a retirement home. But I can.”
Before diving into the delicious birthday cake, Eagle Lake Justice of the Peace Stan Warfield got the party started with a prayer.
Julia is deeply rooted in her faith so saying a prayer before getting the party started really meant a lot to her.
“Mother has always been a strong Christian woman,” Julia’s daughter Gail Austin said. “That has got her through a lot.”
When the cake was served Julia asked that music be played because the party was a little too quiet for her liking and she wanted to liven things up. Hall asked what she would like to listen to, and gospel music was the music of choice.
Hall put on Psalms 23 by Jeff Majors and Julia loved every second of it. As the party started to wind down, Julia went around the room and personally thanked every single person who came to her party.
Hall has known Julia since she was a young girl and said seeing her do something like that is not unusual and that she has always been kind to others.
“I have known Mrs. Austin for a long time and the one thing I would say I have taken from her is her kindness.” Hall said. “She has always been so nice and generous to others, even when I was a little girl, and I would shop at the Austin’s store Mrs. Austin would always give me an extra piece of summer sausage and a piece of cheese.”
Julia has accomplished many things in her lifetime and has made a big impact on the town of Eagle Lake and the 101-yearold is thankful for it all.
