A Special Birthday Party: A Trinky Celebration

This past month, we had the privilege of hosting a 90th Birthday Celebration for a very special lady – Mildred Thomas – better known as Trinky. When asking her how she got the nickname Trinky, she said she wasn’t sure, her grandfather gave it to her, and it has stuck now, some 90 years later!!

A little funny trivia about Trinky and her birthday: Growing up, her family celebrated her birthday on June 16. It wasn’t until she was filing for her passport, that she discovered her “real” birthday is June 17. How funny is that?!

We met Trinky at the very FIRST tea party we ever hosted as Miss Spenser’s Special-Teas. They had hired us for their Tea Guild get together and it was to be hosted in Trinky’s home. She greeted us at the door with that ever-present smile and twinkly eye…unbeknownst to her, she was our first customer; naturally, we were a bit nervous, but her graciousness and gentle spirit calmed us immediately!!

We are posting several pictures from the day, some poems and tributes that her two daughters, Karen and Pam, put together for the special day. We hope you enjoy!

Now, this lady knows how to treat her guests…they were all escorted to Miss Spenser’s by Charter Bus!!

Trinky got out her hats and all the granddaughters and great granddaughters picked one to wear for the day.

Trinky’s dear friend from High School – she shared lovely memories of how giving and devoted she was as a friend. One of the special memories was of the “shared dress.” Trinky was fortunate to have been able to purchase a new dress…she let all her friends borrow it when they would have a special function to attend.

Now, it’s Trinky’s Birthday Party – but what does she do?? She brings gifts for Spenser and I – two lovely teacups from her personal collection…so special, lasting treasuers! Thank you Trinky!!

Pam and Karen – her two, precious daughters who helped put this party together for her. Pam shared about the thing she loves about her mother – “Now”

Pam: "I love waking my mother up in the morning; she always wakes up with a smile.

My mother is a wonderful encourager – she says something encouraging to me just after she wakes up as well. My mother is a giver. She would give me anything of hers, the shirt off her back. She is a wonderful example to me of always putting others first. My mother loves the Lord Jesus. She is always eager to pray together and ready to read the Bible or devotion book with me. Some of our favorite things we enjoy: Eating caramel corn, going for a malted milk, watching the Gaithers on t.v. followed up by Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk. Worshipping at church and finally…going to TEA!"

Karen, her other daughter, amazed all of us by writing this wonderful poem that spans a life-time! I am sure after this post, you will agree – that Trinky is a very special woman and those who have had the privilege of knowing her have been blessed indeed!! We hope you enjoy this tribute to our very first tea friend!!! Birthday Blessings Trinky!

She isn't big, in fact she's quite dinky 

Perhaps that's why she was nicknamed Trinky 

With a twinkle in her eyes and a scrunched up nose 

She smiles and laughs with the cutest pose

A small package of good - that is my mom 

She loves being with people and helping everyone 

She loved to cook and she spent much time 

Preparing meals for others to dine

She loves Tuesday coffees with her north high friends 

Sharing lives together for years on end 

She loves her church and Bible studies too 

Quilting, sewing, so much to do

Bridge is the game she yearns to play... 

It doesn't matter what time of day 

Get out the nuts- oh so yummy 

And don't think my mom is some kind of dummy 

She knows her cards and plays them well 

Marilyn and Audrey have stories to tell

Mom loved volunteering at the Church of the Land 

And cherished her time with Joanna her friend 

They would share the church history with those who came through 

And would quilt and talk and eat donuts too

While my mom couldn't sing, she did love to dance 

And enjoyed square dancing and ballroom when given the chance 

My parents would dress up in fancy clothes 

They were completely decked out from head to toe 

Mom knew fashion-- dresses, hats, shoes 

Her closets were full with the styles she'd choose

Watching shows together was a great family time

Lawrence Welk, Ed Sullivan and What's my Line. 

Dad would pop corn with a little melted butter 

Such great memories among so many others

Mom loved cows and had lots for awhile 

But tea cups took over ------they just made her smile 

Some with flowers on them, some with clover 

My Dad insisted they were going to take over

Proper attire, manners and delectables too 

Mom learned about tea parties and what one should do 

Cucumber sandwiches, scones and such 

One can never have too much 

Lemon curd and strawberry soup 

These led us to find a tea party group 

We made several trips to the small town of Perry 

Where we were connected to Ramona and Sherrie

With these friends we travelled to England - so fine 

Kathy and Pam, was that not the best time? 

Thymes Remembered closed - now where could we eat 

When we yearned for Earl Grey and 3-tiered tea sweets 

We have found the answer to our greatest passion 

We drive south to Miss Spenser's tearoom in fashion 

Our thanks to Donna and Spenser we bring 

For filling our hearts with love and good things

The Bible talks about the fruit of the Spirit- my mom displays them well 

She's been the best example in my life ...for that I'm pleased to tell 

I thank The Lord for giving me the best most wonderful mother 

I simply can't imagine my life if I'd been given to another 

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

gentleness and self control.

Mom you are all of that to me and more 

Happy 90th birthday to the Mother I adore