LUNCH WITH MOMMA

A Play by Michael Lee Windhorst

Presented in partnership with
The BLOOM Initiative ~ Paducah, Kentucky

Performance Date: Friday, April 10^th ~ 7 pm and Sunday, April 12^th ~ 2pm 
Venue: @ Studio 200 Market House Theatre 209 Marine Way ~ Paducah, KY

“A story of family, memory, and the moments that shape us.”

Welcome to Lunch with Momma

Welcome, and thank you for joining us for this special production of Lunch with Momma.

Theater has long been a place where stories bring people together—where laughter, reflection, and shared humanity can unfold before our eyes. Lunch with Momma reminds us that some of the most powerful stories are found in the everyday conversations and relationships that shape our lives.

This play explores the deep and often complex bonds between a son and his mother with dementia.  It captures the warmth, humor, and tenderness that can be found in the ordinary moments we share with those closest to us. In many ways, the story invites us to reflect on our own memories—those conversations around the table, the wisdom passed quietly from one generation to the next, and the enduring love that connects us.

This production is presented in partnership with the BLOOM Initiative, whose work throughout Paducah seeks to uplift, strengthen, and connect our community. Through collaboration, creativity, and compassion, the initiative encourages growth and opportunity while celebrating the stories that make our community unique.

We are deeply grateful to the cast, crew, volunteers, and supporters who have given their time and talent to bring this production to life. Their dedication and passion make it possible for stories like this one to be shared with our community.

Most importantly, we thank you—our audience—for supporting local theater and the arts. Your presence here tonight helps ensure that storytelling continues to flourish in Paducah.

Enjoy the performance.

Cast & Creative Team

Tiffany Dawn Ferrell/Director

Tiffany is proud to be making her DIRECTING DEBUT with this show!! She has loved sinking her teeth into a whole new side of the theatre world, and it has been a joy bringing this beautiful story to life with such dedicated performers. Other theater credits include: Footloose, Fame, Charlotte’s Web, Anything Goes, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Tarzan, and most recently Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar coming in June to Market House Theatre! 

Tiffany has gravitated more towards the vocal and dance side of performing arts since she was a teen and had her first professional gig in Memphis at 17. She was the Owner/Creative Director at The Rhythm Factory 2011-2023, and a Vocalist/Dancer at the Badgett Playhouse 2010-2024.  She has nationally toured with Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band for over a decade as a backup vocalist. 

Theatre has always been an intrigue for Tiffany and she hopes to incorporate the performance art into her repertoire whenever possible. Thank you to Michael Lee, writer/producer, for his belief and trust in her for this immense role as Director for Lunch With Momma.

Tiffany is the Founder and President of nonprofit The B.L.O.O.M. Initiative (est. 2017) and a Vocalist/Dancer for BLOOM Entertainment (formerly Paducah Rhythm Revue), where she is producing several new shows for our UNESCO Creative City. Her most recent works include HERstory, Ladies of Cabaret, and REWiND: 90’s Edition!  www.bloompaducah.org

Logan Bryce Martin/ Narrator

Logan Bryce Martin is a dynamic force of faith, resilience, and transformation. Born in Nuremberg, West Germany, and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Logan made headlines as a high school football prodigy and college champion. He advanced to Semi-Pro and XFL football before shifting into the entertainment industry as a model, actor, and reality TV figure.

Despite his success, Logan found his true calling outside of fame. He left Hollywood behind to become a minister, mentor, and founder of life-changing youth programs, including Off the Street Youth Community Preparatory Academy (OTSYCPA) and Memphis Inspirational Studio: Creativity in Christ.

A published author and national speaker, Logan Bryce Martin shares his powerful story of redemption, faith, and purpose across churches, schools, and stages nationwide.

Quote: “When you hear him speak, expect a miracle. When you meet him, you’ll understand why he is called ‘Champion’—not because he won trophies, but because he never stops fighting for what truly matters.”

Rafiel Banks Nailing/Michael

My name is Rafiel Banks-Nailing, and I have had a deep love for theatre and the performing arts since I was a little boy. This production marks my first time back on stage since performing in the musical Oklahoma at PTHS in 2013, making this experience especially meaningful to me. 

I am a proud husband, devoted son, and loving fur dad. My heart is rooted in community advocacy and support. I currently serve as President of Paducah Pride United Together, Secretary of the Mt. Zion MBC Brotherhood, and I am honored to sing in the Mt. Zion Praise Choir. 

As an entrepreneur, I am the owner of R.B.’s Unique Touch LLC, where we specialize in creating memorable experiences with YOU in mind. For the past five years, I have been dedicated to bringing visions to life through intentional, client-centered design. 

It has truly been a pleasure working alongside such talented and inspiring actors and actresses. I extend my sincere gratitude to Michael Lee Windhorst and The Bloom Initiative for this incredible opportunity to be part of telling such an impactful story.

Lucille Shannon/Momma

Lucille Shannon, a retired school teacher from Massac Unit One (36 yrs at Brookport Elementary School).

A proud mother of three children, Katina, Lanfort (Bam), and Cory, the grandmother of 11 children, and the great grandmother of 6 children.

I have been an active member of Bethel AME Church for 53 years. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.(53 years) I have been a volunteer Librarian for twenty-five years and Chairperson for 15 years. I was also a Brookport City Alderman for four years. I was Organizer and Girl Scout Leader for 27 years. 

My greatest passion in life is to be an inspiration to others by sharing my continual, unconditional love and trust in God through personal trials and tribulations. And to let others know if God can help someone like me, he can definitely love and help you.

This is Miss Lucille’s acting DEBUT!!!

Grace Craft/Shirley

Grace Craft is excited to be involved in her first Bloom production! You may have seen her on the Market House Theatre stage or out in the community. Grace is grateful to be involved in such a meaningful show. Thank you to everyone at Bloom, especially Tiffany, for this opportunity.

Anna Tamaoka/Freida

Anna Tamaoka is a computer programmer and enjoys being on stage as one of her many hobbies. She has been in several plays and musicals with Market House Theatre, including Bright Star, The Music Man, and Unpacking Mother. Some of Anna’s other hobbies include baking and decorating cakes, playing Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games, soap making, woodworking, board gaming, fishing, playing computer games, gardening, and taking care of her 3 dogs, cockatiel, and cat.

Trenisha Parish/Melissa

Trenisha Paris (Paris) is honored to join the stage alongside the amazing humans of Lunch with Momma, a deeply moving experience and real-life story that honors and uplifts the complexities of dementia and reminds us of the quiet, powerful ways love shows up over time. 

Paris has been involved in local community theater participating in multiple Market House Theatre productions as well as other community playwright showcases. Her passion is rooted in creating spaces for reflection, healing and human connection through poetry, music, movement, singing, and acting. Paris enjoys making memories with family and friends, being in nature, and drinking tea outside with her fur-babies.

Bruce Mack-EL/Eulogy

My name is Bruce Mack-EL, born in Oahu, Hawaii on April 25,1973 and raised in Louisville, KY. I have resided in Paducah, KY for nine years. I was incarcerated for 26 years and found promise and blessing in acting and writing. I was raised in the arts by Ms. Karen Willis of Central City, KY. I have performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Greater Tuna, several Shakespearean monologues, and other projects in theater including personal productions in a mentoring program with Bellarmine University under Dr. Kurt Bergstrand and Mr. Kurt Tofeland. I am currently an Associate Pastor at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Theater is a blessing to the world and a tool of character and integrity.

Julia Watkins/Violinist

Julia is a classically trained violinist with a distinguished national career as a solo electric violin performer, Julia Watkins has toured across the country, captivating audiences with a signature blend of classical precision and modern expression. Now rooted locally, she continues to share her artistry through select performances and community-centered creative work while raising three children and preparing for her transition into the study of law.  Julia is also the Vice-President of The B.L.O.O.M. Initiative.  

Michael Lee Windhorst/writer

Michael Lee Windhorst is the author of Lunch with Momma, a heartfelt reflection on love, caregiving, and the quiet moments shared between a mother and her son during the long journey through dementia. The book later inspired the stage adaptation of the same name.

Michael’s writing often grows from personal experience and a deep belief that the small, everyday moments in life carry the most meaning. Through essays, reflections, and storytelling, he seeks to preserve memories and honor the people who shape our lives.

In addition to his own work, Michael has written several magazine articles and works as an editor and collaborative writer, helping others bring their stories to life. His collaborative projects include Funeral for My Father with Logan Bryce Martin and White Coat, Dark Secrets with Mark Bryant, both available on Amazon.

He is currently working on several new writing projects and collaborations, continuing his passion for telling stories that matter.

Order of the Play

Opening Remarks

Narration

Act l: The Move/Promise Me Tomorrow

Narration

Act ll: The Routine

Intermission (Music by Julia Watkins)

Narration

Act lll: The Last Promise

Eulogy

Closing Remarks

Curtain Call

About Lunch With Momma – (an excerpt from the book)

There are promises we make in life that come and go, casual thoughts whispered in passing. Then there are the promises that quietly shape the rest of our lives, that become the heart of everything we do.

The promise that led to Lunch with Momma — that promise was one of those.

It was made before the disease crept in, before dementia’s cruel hands began their slow, merciless work. It was made before the words disappeared, before the memories fluttered away like leaves in the wind.

It was just a moment between a mother and her son. A simple moment, or so I thought.

But it changed everything.

I remember looking at her, and saying something that, at the time, felt simple. I promised her I would always find a way to communicate with her. I promised that no matter how much dementia tried to steal from us, I would never let it take our connection.

And then, I made one promise that meant more to me than anything else. I promised her I would come to see her. Not just on holidays, not when it was convenient, not just when I had time. I promised I would come, because the thought of her sitting there, alone, slowly disappearing into the fog of dementia — I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t accept it.

I could never accept the idea that just because someone with dementia might not remember your name… your visits somehow stop mattering.

I refused to believe that.

And I still refuse to believe it. 

So, for six years, I went to see her almost every single day. Not every day… but almost every day… I missed very few…and we ate lunch together almost every day, and a lot of times dinner too – with some breakfasts thrown in there as well. 

People often say, “You took such wonderful care of your mother.” And I want to be clear. The truth is — the nursing home took wonderful care of my mother. They did. She had extraordinary CNAs, nurses who looked after her with kindness, and an RN who cared deeply for her, and her well-being (and mine too) and made sure she was more than okay especially if I could not be there. Because of them, I never had to worry about her safety. I owe those CNA’s and nurses and that RN a debt of gratitude I can never repay for the care she received.

But what they gave me the chance to do… was to just be her son. And those hours, those quiet hours we spent together, became the most precious moments of my life. That nursing home also became my home away from home…

Every day, I would walk into her room or the dining hall and say, “Hi, Momma,” lean down, and kiss her on the forehead. Sometimes she smiled right away. Sometimes it took a moment. But there was always something in her eyes that made me believe she knew I belonged there.

We spent countless hours together. Watching The Rifleman. Endless episodes of The Rifleman.

There were days when I’d bring in pizza — her favorite. And that smile, that smile she gave me when I handed her a slice, made everything feel like it was right in the world, even if just for a moment.

Sometimes she would hold my hand while we watched. Not tightly. Just gently. Like a quiet reminder that we were still there together.

And those simple moments… those quiet hours… meant more to me than almost anything else in my life.

She would always smile at me in a way that made me forget, just for a moment, that anything was wrong at all.

Such simple things.

But love lives in the simplest of things.

Dementia is cruel. It doesn’t take someone all at once. It takes them piece by piece, little by little. And with every piece that disappears, you find yourself grieving again. You find yourself saying goodbye over and over while the person you love is still right there beside you.

And every day, when I walked into that nursing home, there was one prayer in my heart — “Just one small spark, Lord. One moment where I can see that she knows me.”

And sometimes that spark would appear.

Sometimes it wouldn’t.

People ask, “What was the hardest moment?” The hardest moment was the day I walked into her room, kissed her on the forehead, and said, “Hi, Momma.”

And she looked up at me with those kind eyes and softly asked, “Who are you?”

You think you might be prepared for it…I mean you tell yourself that you *are prepared for it…You try to brace yourself. You stand outside that door, reminding yourself, It’s the disease talking, not her.

But nothing — I promise you nothing in this world — prepares you for that moment.

And nothing hurts like them *not knowing…(except) of course the moment when they are gone entirely.

But let me tell you something. If someone offered me the chance to walk back into that nursing home today and hear her say, “Who are you?” just one more time, I would give almost anything for that moment. Because I would get to say the words that mattered most.

“I love you, Momma.”

And I’m grateful. Grateful that God spared me from that moment too many times.

It happened just a few times, maybe because I was there so often. But somewhere deep inside, I like to believe she still recognized something. Love has a way of surviving in places we can’t fully understand.

That’s the truth of dementia. For everything we think we know about it, multiply that by ten. That’s how much we still don’t know.

But through it all, love finds a way.

There were many times my mother tried to speak to me.

She would look at me so intently… so seriously… and words would come out that sounded like a completely different language.

Most of what she said didn’t make sense to me…but I know that it did to her and so I would listen for anything remotely familiar to try and see if I could piece it together…

But every once in a while… one clear word would slip through.

And in that moment, I knew. She was still there. Maybe not in the way the world expects. But she was there. – Michael Lee Windhorst

…..This play, Lunch with Momma, are just snippets of the book – it’s not meant to be dramatic. It was written because I made a promise. It was written because my momma taught me that *unconditional  love refuses  to give up, and because a son wanted the world to know that dementia might steal memories… but it cannot erase love. I started writing about my lunches with Momma on Facebook all those years ago now…and people would respond and begin to look forward to the stories about our lunches and my momma’s quick wit and humor  … this play is just a portion of those 6 years of sharing lunch with momma and more than lunch – the incredible love she still was able to show me…I tell people that I might have been the one going to visit her – but she was still the one taking care of me…

Thank you for being here today. I hope this story touches something inside you. Maybe it’ll remind you of someone you love or encourage you to visit someone who might be waiting. Maybe it’ll just remind you how precious these moments are…maybe it will encourage you to not put things off…or say…oh, I can go see them tomorrow…

Because one day… I promise you – you will wish you were able to walk through that door and see them just one more time…

I know I do.

What’s that line from a popular country song say… 

Give me just five more minutes … Lord ….I still got SO much I want and need to say….just 5 more minutes….

If you’d like information or be put on the mailing list for when the book comes out in a couple weeks on Amazon please just email me a quick note and I will make sure you get the information. Just send an email to: writermike63@gmail.com

A special thank you to all Tiffany, BLOOM, and all the great actors involved in this project for bringing my words to life – you are each amazing and wonderful in your very own marvelous ways.  My life is more because of you and would be less for not having had the opportunity to share this experience with each of you.  

With a grateful heart, 

Michael

In Honor Of: Joyce Blanche (Anderson) Windhorst

Special thanks to the individuals and organizations whose support made this production possible.

We extend our appreciation to:

• The BLOOM Initiative
• Community partners and supporters
• Volunteers who gave their time and energy
• Friends and families of the cast and crew
• The Paducah Arts community

• Steve and Nancy Powless

• Debbie Champion

• MEDCARE Home Medical

• Legacy Oxygen & Home Care Equipment

Your encouragement and dedication help ensure that storytelling and the arts remain a vibrant part of our community. Thank you for your support for local theater and community arts.

Productions like Lunch with Momma remind us of the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark conversation, and celebrate the shared experiences that connect us all.

Presented in partnership with the BLOOM Initiative of Paducah, Kentucky.

We hope you enjoyed the performance and continue to support the arts in our community. If you would like a printed version of this program, please email us at bloompaducah@gmail.com.

B. Bloom where you are planted

L. Live your best life on purpose, for a higher purpose

O. Optimize the creativity of our city

O. Open your heart & mind to new possibilities

M. Motivate + Mentor the next generation of creative spirits