Many thanks to Bronson Hospital for making my Dad’s 100th birthday such a memorable event

My Dad, Hilmar Burgess, was about to turn 100!  I couldn’t believe it, but it would happen soon.  I had to do something!  Of course, we would have a party, but what could I do to make it extra special?  My thoughts turned to his life.  He had been born at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo in 1922, spent his childhood in Battle Creek, lived most of his adult life in Connecticut and then moved back to Kalamazoo in 2004 where he still lives now.

I remembered that Dad had three surgeries at Bronson, the very same place where his life began 100 years ago!  So, I wondered whether Bronson would be able to acknowledge this event in his life.  When I contacted Bronson, they agreed and wanted to send him a card in honor of his 100th birthday.  We presented it to Dad at the party on his actual 100th birthday in the Kiva Auditorium at Friendship Village, where he lives.  The card was beautiful and it was even signed by the President and CEO of Bronson Hospital, Bill Manns!  There were over 70 people in attendance, along with a very special birthday cake and some punch.

Many thanks to Bronson Hospital for making my Dad’s 100th birthday such a memorable event!

-Gail Bowman