Coleman (in blue dress) watches the ceremony Saturday at Cherished Children

A day to be cherished

Jean Coleman always said she would cry when the day finally arrived. And, Saturday, she did.

But she was not alone. It was a big day on Myrtle Street in Warner Robins. They had the ribbon cutting for the Cherished Children Education Center.

Yes, the ground got a little moist Saturday morning, and it had nothing to do with a summer shower.

Coleman has spent almost half her life making sure this day would happen. If you add up all the sweat, tears and prayers, it took 41 years to build Cherished Children. The center officially opened five weeks ago, but Saturday was the day they cut the ribbon and cut the cake.

There were a few extra napkins around, to dab all the tears, of course.

Coleman first had the vision for Cherished Children in 1965 and has spent the past four decades working tirelessly on its behalf. When she and her family moved to Warner Robins in 1960, she discovered daycare options were not available for all races and socio-economic backgrounds.

She started the program, and it continues to grow. Along with others, she never lost faith that one day it would have a modern facility.

There were times when it would have been easier to give up, especially while suffering with Parkinson's disease and undergoing surgery for a pacemaker. She privately told friends and family she wasn’t sure she would live to see this day.

The new center is 6,900 square feet. At capacity, it will serve about 129 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

"We have helped a lot of families stay off welfare," Jean said. "We have enabled them to work by providing day care for their children."

Saturday was a day that will be cherished by those who have supported Cherished Children.