Gilbert Turns 70!

Our friend and neighbor, Gilbert, who is one of the more amazing people in Peoria or anywhere, turned 70 on August 18.  A couple of days later, his friends, Kathy and Kevin threw him a surprise birthday party in upper Bradley Park.

Gilbert's friends from different areas of his life--his former supervisor and co-worker at the Peoria Park District, the former owner of Geier Florist, his yoga instructor, his hiking buddy, a retired Bradley professor, the owner of Fred's Shoe Shop, and neighbors all gathered together to celebrate Gilbert. 

Haddad's in West Peoria donated the cake. Need to find out the origin of Gilbert's nickname.

Gilbert is a homeowner in West Peoria. He loves to do physical labor, whether its mow grass, rake leaves, shovel snow, or split wood. He also likes hiking, horses, traveling (he has been on an Alaskan cruise, to Europe, and out west, where he wishes he lived), and is a very talented artist. Gilbert walks all over West Peoria and beyond and is familiar to many people.

We each told stories about Gilbert. Once shortly after we moved into our house, the doorbell rang. I told our son Luke, who was about five or six to look out the window. "Who's there?" I asked. Luke turned to me with wide eyes and said, "A cowboy!" It was Gilbert, who indeed looks like a cowboy. This was a big compliment to him.

Gilbert and John are good friends. John's mom was our connection to Gilbert. She taught him at the Adult Education Center, which used to be located on Moss. She also helped to find him a job. Years after that, Gilbert bought a home and became neighbors with the Carroll's. 

Gilbert isn't just a survivor--he's a thriver. His cerebral palsy has not kept him from living a full life. Happy Birthday, Gilbert!