Welcome back, Gram
<p>Nancy "Grandma" Carter is welcomed and congratulated by friends and coworkers during a party held in her honor celebrating her birthday and return back to work following being hospitalized and undergoing cancer treatments for the past three months.</p>
<p>Nancy "Grandma" Carter is applauded by Art Wirz, director of hospitality at the Coeur d'Alene Casino, as she reacts to seeing her name on the sign for the employee cafeteria during a party held for her Thursday.</p>
WORLEY - Nancy Carter's every move was being tracked Thursday at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel.
Security and surveillance personnel had their eyes on the petite Carter, constantly reporting her whereabouts by radio to casino employees.
But Carter wasn't under suspicion. It was quite the opposite.
Security workers were making sure Carter, also a casino worker, didn't wander too close to the employee cafeteria. Dozens of Carter's co-workers were preparing a very special surprise for the woman they all call "Grandma."
They clapped and cheered as Carter eventually approached the employee dining area.
"Y'all are gonna make me cry," Carter said.
It was her first day back at work following a three-month absence during which she was hospitalized and underwent cancer treatment.
The best was yet to come.
Above the entrance to the employee dining area, Carter's co-workers pulled a white sheet off a sign suspended from the ceiling. It said, "Grandma's Lounge," with Carter's name printed on it as well.
Carter bowed her head, covering her face with her hands.
"It is such a blessing to have you with us, you show us how to live," said casino hospitality director Art Wirz. "We're all a family here, and you're our grandma."
Carter, in her mid-70s, has worked at the casino for nearly five years.
"I just love the warmth of the people here," Carter said. "We're one big family running this casino."
"Grandma" is a staple in the employee cafeteria, where she works with Pete Pesetti, making sure that a good meal is always waiting for up to 900 casino and hotel employees during a 24-hour period. Employee meals are one of the perks of working at the casino, and they all come with a touch of Grandma's love.
A plaque with a photo of Carter on it, hangs on the wall inside the dining area.
It is inscribed with the phrase "Always teaching us how to laugh, love and live every day to the fullest," and "Pride, compassion, open arms."
Carter thought the draped sign was an electronic menu display, a story Pesetti told her to keep it a secret until the unveiling.
"I thank God that I have such a wonderful partner here, and that we have the jobs that we do," Pesetti said.
Food and beverage manager Debbie Wilmarth helped plan the tribute to Carter. She said Carter is always in good spirits, and frequently lifts others' spirits, despite the challenges she has faced.
"She just has such a loving, fun way about her. She's the grandma, and mom, that many of the employees wish they had," Wilmarth said.