Bubba
| Monday, March 14, 2011
Tags: Leadership Family
Life. Laughter. Legacy… Happy Birthday, Dad!
Today is my dad’s 90th birthday! It’s hard to put into words what a blessing it is to be able to celebrate this day with him and the rest of my family. We are truly humbled by God’s favor on our family, and I think I can speak for us all when I say how thankful we are to have such an amazing man to call our dad, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, leader, and example.
Today is his birthday, but last Thursday night more than 1,000 of my dad’s “closest friends” gathered at the Woodruff Arts Center to celebrate. What a great time we had! Guests included, Governor Nathan Deal, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, and Tom Cousins who co-chaired the event. Former President George W. Bush even sent birthday greetings via a video, apologizing for not being able to be there in person.
The theme of the night was “Life. Laughter. Legacy.” and for the Cathy family, it was one of the most important and meaningful nights of our lives. Outside of the incredible music from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the ASO Gospel choir, Michael W. Smith and former American Idol finalist, Diana Degarmo, we were treated to lots of laughter and inspiration from our dear friend, Jeff Foxworthy, who emceed the event.
After a few hilarious jokes, Jeff spoke about the influence that dad has had on his life and on the lives of others because of his servant leadership. He even told us about how he and his wife provide college scholarships to students in the United States and Africa “because somebody showed us how.”
Jeff reminded us that our dad exemplifies the charge given in Galatians 6:9-10, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
I was brought to tears several times throughout the night as my dad was honored and we were all challenged to live out the incredible legacy of hope and good works he has committed himself to his entire life.
The most special part of the evening for me was when our entire family gathered on stage to present dad with our “gift”: Plans for the S. Truett Cathy Youth and Community Center to be constructed just minutes from his boyhood home within the West End community in Atlanta. The center will house programs to inspire young people to believe in themselves and in their futures, and we couldn’t think of a better or more fitting “gift” than to honor my dad with this great project that will impact young people and their families for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about the project and maybe even get involved, please visit
www.TruettsLegacy.com.
We ended the celebration last week with a wonderful time of prayer and worship as the entire symphony hall sang “Amazing Grace,” accompanied by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. What a night!
I want to personally thank everyone who attended the event, but I also want to thank YOU for being such a special part of the Cathy Family.
Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you very much.