Melbourne FL: Lucinda "Mom" Messer's Birthday Celebration

I first met Lucinda (Mom) Messer at the old South Florida Folk Festival, she was in the kitchen helping her daughter Connie prepare meals for the crew and performers.  Or maybe it was at the Florida Folk Festival when I happened across their camp and either Mom or Connie offered me a full breakfast.  Yes, they did like to feed folks.

Mom Messer, happy to see everyone
Photo: December 2014, Citra

Later Bill and I became a couple and I joined the Messer clan.  Mom was always the central focus with a smile and kind word for everyone.  The clan centers in Melbourne FL with several generations of children, grand children, and now great grand children.  Lucinda is the matriarch.

Crystal and Amber
Granddaughter - Great Granddaughter

Well, the last few years have been mighty long for Mom Messer with her multiple health issues but she usually rises to the challenge especially when the 'babies' come to visit. 

The Great-Great Granddaughter
Lisa - Airyn - Carrie

 August 24, 2015 was her 86th birthday and the family gathered at the Rehab Center to celebrate this event.  

Getting ready for the party
Carol and Bill in the foreground 

Carol and Gene drove cross state from Citra, Bill and I took I-95 down from St. Augustine, and the remaining came from the Melbourne area.  We were missing the North Carolina crew but they were down a few weeks earlier.

David, Gene, Rick
Great Grandson, Son, Son

The party was held in one of the therapy/meeting rooms of the Rehab Center/Nursing home in Melbourne. Transforming the area from institutional to birthday casual was a challenge but Carol, Carrie, and Earlene were up to the challenge.

Rick (son) and Earlene (best friend)
making final preparations

It was a successful party for a grand lady who dearly loves her family.  As with any large and busy family, it is difficult to find a time that worked for everyone but over the two hour period most of the family stopped by with hugs and love for the matron of the Messer family.

Mom Messer with Lisa
August 22, 2015