Mother’s Day at Senior Center | Moms Celebrated of Many Generations

 

It starts with a special community, which Liliana Torres pointed out Friday during a Mother’s Day luncheon at the South Pasadena Senior Center.

“There’s a lot of caring, a lot of people who understand the purpose of a senior center,” said the supervisor of South Pasadena’s home away from home for many in the community and surrounding cities who have reached their golden years.

“Until you are retired, until you begin to walk that path, you don’t realize how important a senior center is (for people.),” she noted.

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The good-natured Torres, welcoming a packed house to this year’s event, joked that she is inching closer to becoming a senior herself as she talked to mothers, grandmothers and others enjoying the festive event. “I can see it. I know the importance of having a place like this to come to. Being valued, being appreciated once you retire gives you a real purpose. Senior centers are for that.”

Following her remarks, Torres handed the microphone over to South Pasadena City Councilman Robert Joe, who asked for a show of hands of how many in the room were mothers. Grandmothers, then great grandmothers, great, great grandmothers and finally aunts were all asked to raise their hands.

The unofficial survey was all in fun as a majority of those filling the seats were given an opportunity to get involved, raising their hands in the air.

“See what happens when I get the microphone,” joked Joe, enjoying the give and take with seniors.

Whether it’s giving a Hallmark card, flowers and candy, taking her out for dinner or just a simple hug or kiss, Joe knows the importance moms, grandmas and great, great grandmas play on Mother’s Day.

The councilmember concluded his remarks by passing along some quotes, which pay special significance to the day.

• “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

• “A mother is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”
• “Thanks for always saying yes every time dad says no.”
• “A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”

• Grandmother and grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love.
• “A grandparent is little bit parent, little bit teacher and little bit best friend.

• “A mother is like a rare jewel, they love their children during the worst and best of times. It is important to give our love to these dedicated women in our lives and don’t take them for granted.”

Top Billing Entertainment Performance Academy, a group that sings and dances with the best of them, performed for the seniors.

The luncheon was sponsored in memory of Mohan Singh Anand and Niamat K. Anand.

For more information about upcoming events at the South Pasadena Senior Center, call (626) 403-7360