First Couple Sends Birthday Wishes
by Thelma Sardin
A special lady celebrated her 95th birthday with a huge surprise on Aug. 6. Josephine Haynes was born Aug 8, 1916 in downstate Mounds, IL.
This past Saturday, Haynes family held an intimate birthday celebration for her at Renaissance Park South Nursing Home on Chicagos far Southside, where she is a resident.
Mrs. Haynes had no idea she would be receiving a special birthday greeting from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Her eyes brimmed with emotion as she was presented with a special birthday greeting from the First Couple.
The president gave me a present its an honor, said Mrs. Haynes.
Approximately fifteen friends and members of Haynes family crowded in small recreation room at Renaissance Park for the celebration.
She was also surprised by family members she has not seen in years.
According to son, Rev. Anthony Haynes, the family requested a birthday greeting from the White House six weeks prior to the celebration. He said a formal request in writing was sent to the White House Greetings department.
A retired teacher, Mrs. Haynes is the widow of Oscar H. Haynes. The couple was married for 60 years and the union produced 8 children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
I feel its a great blessing that she has lived this long. We [the family] hope to live as long as she has, Rev. Haynes said.
He added the he believes the key to a long life is, good living and honoring God.
Mrs. Haynes enjoyed the party and continually joked about being surrounded by so many digital cameras. Look at all the cameras hanging around, she said, adding, the secret to a long and vibrant life is, praising the Lord and honesty. Praise the Lord [and] tell the truth [in] whatever you do, she laughed.
According to the U.S. government's official web portal, to receive a White House birthday greeting the recipient must be age 80 and above. Requests for birthday greetings can faxed to the White House Greetings office at 1.202.456.2461.
In addition, to receive the greeting on time, the Greetings office asks that requests be sent two months in advance. For more information, visit answers.usa.gov and search Presidential Greetings.
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