Surprised at Seventy!

They all were able to keep their plan secret! My six adult children and their spouses planned a very special surprise party for me on Saturday, December 17, the day after my birthday. My second oldest son, Tom, had told me he was taking me out for dinner that night with my granddaughter Ari, and Tom’s fiancé, Marissa and her daughter Camilla. Supposedly joining us would be my sons Michael and Stephen, and my daughter Marianne, her husband James, and my grandson, Michael.

When Tom told me that Katie, her husband, Dan and their children Ellie and Thomas wouldn’t be coming, I thought that was a little strange. But, then Katie had taken off the day before to go shopping and treat me to lunch at Mexico Restaurant. Tom then changed the story and said Katie would be joining us later.

Michael, Stephen and I arrived at Silver Skewers in Waldorf and when we walked into the restaurant were greeted by, ” Surprise!” There seated in the restaurant were my sister, Mary Anne and her husband Don, and my niece, Michelle. My brother Jim and his wife Terri were also in attendance as well as my sister-in-law Ilene and her husband Walt. They had all traveled down from Pennsylvania for the special occasion. I was thrilled to see them all and learn that my oldest son, John, his wife Georgette and their children Nora and Hannah were also present. I missed my other sister-in-law Maureen and brother-in-law Bob, but they weren’t able to attend.

Enjoying a delicious meal and catching up with everyone was a pure delight! It had been quite awhile since we had all been together at one time and I enjoyed every moment of it. The last big celebration of this type was for my retirement June, three years ago.

After the dinner, we all returned to Katie and Dan’s home to have cake and take pictures. The cousins had a great time at the restaurant and playing with Ellie in her home. Thomas was sleeping when we arrived because he was all partied out! My son, Michael, had made arrangements for his aunts and uncles to spend the night at the Holiday Inn in La Plata. After breakfast the next morning they all stopped by to spend some more time visiting.

I believe this was my best birthday ever because getting together with my entire family was a treasure that reinvigorated me at a time when I needed some fun in my life. It was the perfect prescription for making me realize once again that there is nothing like family and I am so blessed with the family I have. Thanks everyone for making this “old girl” feel young again! Love you all!