Surprise!

As I write this, I just finished a 8:15 a.m. drive to the Walgreen’s One Hour Photo to drop off six roles of film. Of what, you ask?

The reason I have been so quiet of late is that dad and I have been planning and eagerly anticipating my mom’s (SURPRISE!!!) 60th birthday celebration, which (finally) happened last night.

You see, this was kind of a big deal because my mother is one of those people who is genuinely and quietly good. The sad part is, good quality folks like my mom often fly below the radar in terms of special occasions. So, back in December, my dad and I conspired to change that and give her a day she would always remember.

Even while planning this thing, I felt the love. Almost invariably, people’s RSVP messages on my voice mail said, “Of course I’ll be there! It’s about time we did something for Mrs. Parkway. Now…what can I do to help?”

Everyone lent a hand: My 93 year old grandmother helped us to carry out our ruse. Aunt E and cousins handled transportation and help me set up the room. Dad’s “Usual Suspects” were also there in full force. "The Bodyguard" showed up early to help get things organized. The "Baker Babe" was kind enough to lend us her stereo and brought along "Li’l Hank" to help. "Big Hank" was the official "Shush-er," making sure no one let out a peep as we ushered in the birthday girl. Trust me. The list goes on.

For those of you who have never planned a surprise party for someone, you should. Yeah, you get an ulcer and will probably sport a massive “Now I Can Finally Relax, Point Me Toward the Bar!” hangover (like me) but it is all worth it. Nothing in the world compares to that moment where you watch as the person of honor puts it all together.

I’m hoping to sneak in a few more winks of sleep, but before I do, I figure I’ll give you a few more highlights:

• The theme was “A Few of Her Favorite Things” – all stuff my mom enjoys -- from fresh calla lilies to coconut cake.
• The theme of dad’s toast was “I’ve Never Met a Person Who Doesn’t Like Mrs. Parkway.” By the end of his speech, even the big, burly guys in the room were dabbing at the corners of their eyes.
• Even the lady who does her nails sent a gift. (See above.)
• The whopper we told to get her there was that I was winning a big, fancy pants “Board of Trustees Award” from my college. Upside: She got a surprise party instead! Downside: No award for me. I suck.
• "Quietly Sinister" Linda made mom this hysterical story book with plenty of pictures  -- much of it dealing with dad not cleaning the farookin' basement, an ongoing saga in the house by the Parkway.
• When dad got the bill at the end, I hear tell that the waiter looked at it and said, “Wow…that’s quite a bar bill. Well…just…wow. Um, thanks.” However, when dad told us later what the damage was we said – almost in unison – “Um, that was it?” Guess some folks were taking it easy last night.

Today we’re going back up north to celebrate Father’s Day on my parent’s deck. (As a side note, “Happy Father’s Dad!”) So, I’m off to put the finishing touches on my coconut cream pie and whip up some appetizers – grilled, marinated asparagus and tandoori shrimp.

Man, I’m exhausted but still amazed we were able to pull it off. Mom kept saying, “I think this is one of the best nights of my life.” I think she’s a little shortsighted. It was one of the best nights of my life too.

Comments

[Sluggo]

We were out with some folks the other night and when we got back my wife remarked 'I think they are the only un-dysfunctional family I know.'

She hasn't met the Parkways.

[Jim - PRS]

It was indeed a memorable night. Thank YOU for doing all the heavy lifting.

[Jim - PRS]

Sluggo,

I hope some time soon she will.

[caltechgirl]

That's awesome! Congrats to you and Parkway Jim for pulling one off on her, not an easy task, from what you all have said. And of course, Happy Birthday to your Mom!

[Kate]

How wonderful! Please tell her I said Happy Birthday! Now, how about a surprise trip to AC and a visit with one of your favorite southern NJ bloggers?
: - )

[Christina]

How absolutely wonderful!

; )

[Moogie]

Wow...what a great suprise. I'm so glad it worked out!

[Teresa]

Wow! You deserve an award... I think we should make you one and have a blog presentation. *grin* Congrats on pulling off such a tremendous feat.