Yesterday, it was officially Alva Heidel day in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The Mayor said so and even had a plaque to prove it.

People packed into a reception hall for a retirement party in her honor. She has spent more than 20 years as a 4-H agent in Ben Hill County, gently and diligently molding children to be better, kinder, stronger and smarter. Many current and former 4-Hers came to the reception to pour out their love as a way of thanking her for pouring out her love for two decades.

Erin and Jones were able to make the trip down from Boston, and we all enjoyed a chance to celebrate together (especially the cousins, who spent most of the reception playing underneath a table together, trying not to giggle too loudly).

Lee and Erin gathered comments from 4-Hers to put into a book for Alva, and it is a wonderful and moving tribute to all she has done for these kids. She’s a special lady, and I sure am glad she doesn’t get to retire from being a Boo or a mother-in-law. She’s a keeper!