YOU NEVER KNOW WHOSE LIVES YOU TOUCH BY BEING KIND

by Mary Frances Hansen

As I have grown older by my calendar years, I have become so much wiser, blessed, and grateful to people who have made a difference in my life. The Bible says in, 1Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build each other up.” I want to share a very special person in my life who believed in me and gave me a purpose in my life that has meant so much to me. Purpose is the wellspring of youthfulness. God put it on my heart to give accolades to Debra Saxon who is the founder and owner of Celebration Magazine and Celebration Senior Travel. My husband, Richard and I, went to work for Debra as travel consultants in 2014 when we retired from working on cruise ships as headline entertainers. We are now “Celebration's Ambassadors.”

Debra calls me.....MFH. One day Debra said to me, “MFH I want you to write articles for me in Celebration Magazine.” I said, “Debra I have never written an article in my life.” (I was in my late 70's.) Debra said, “MFH you can do it!” What a blessing this has been for me because it has helped me keep my mind active as I research things on the computer for my articles.It has also helped me to keep setting goals for myself as I grow older. (I am now 88 years young.) As Mark Twain says, “Age is Mind over Matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter!” (Age is only a number.) I feel as seniors we are never to old to learn or to do something different in our lives. It is an honor and privilege for me to now introduce this AMAZING lady to you ! I am so grateful to Debra that I have written the following...Ode to Debra Saxon and I want to share it with my readers so you will get to know this EXTRORDINARY woman!

Debra is a woman of great strength and is to be admired. She is a woman of integrity, character, compassion, wisdom, kindness, and most of all......has an abounding love for helping others. She has a heart full of gold! These traits are truly a gift from God, and she is one of the most outstanding women I have ever known!

Debra had a vision 15 years ago to publish a Senior Magazine. Through prayer, hard work, lots of tears, sleepless nights, she accomplished her vision. In 2011, she published Celebration Magazine. It is a magazine Celebrating Life After 60, and a wealth of information. Her magazine has met the needs of many seniors. Celebration Senior Travel has made it possible for many seniors to travel who thought they couldn't. Debra never gives up regardless of how hard the task that confronts her. She is an entrepreneur and a true leader in every way. She has the ability to translate vision into reality! The quotes on leadership describes our one and only Debra Saxon.

“A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He/She inspires the power and energy to get it done.” Ralph Nader

“Leaders aren't born they are made, and like anything else they are made through hard work and that is the price we have to pay to achieve that goal or any goal.” Vince Lombardi

“Winners have two things in common, definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them .” Anonymous

When COVID paralyzed our country Debra had the great idea of Zoom. She started gathering all kinds of ideas to keep our seniors happy. One thing about Debra, not only does she have great ideas, but she puts them into effect and makes them happen. For over a year and a half Dan Price, Creative Director, who is Debra's brother, and Zoe Frost, Director of Travel Operations, became Celebration Celebrities! Dan was the Facilitator and Zoe was the “Hostess with the Mostest!” During that time when many seniors couldn't leave their homes because of the pandemic, Zoom brought so much joy to them. People fell in love with these two entertaining fun people! They are both terrific!!!!!!

Debra has the most incredible staff. They are all hard workers and have helped make all the events fun, exciting, and successful all taking place at Celebration's office called “The SPOT!” The staff also travels on trips with their guests, accommodating them in any ways they can.

Greg Saxon, Director of Travel Operations, is Debra's beloved husband. Grace Glasscock, is the Marketing Coordinator, and her Office Manager is Rosa Orellana. And we are excited to have Tina Huyngh and Debra and Greg's son, Jake Saxon on our team working in video production. These amazing people are fantastic hard workers and bring so much joy to seniors Celebrating Life After 60! I want to thank all my wonderful readers for reading this article and getting to know who Debra Saxon really is and her fabulous team!

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith!