Aberrant Prose

Total surprise

Robert’s 60th SURPRISE birthday party last night totally blew him away! He had absolutely no idea. The surprise was pulled off seamlessly. No one tipped their hat or accidentally dropped a clue.

Well almost. There was only one clue but Robert missed it. He happened to be at his Mom’s house when the invitation for the party arrived for her. He picked up the mail to bring it in (which he NEVER does) and the invitation was on top. Kim saw him and grabbed the mail from him quickly telling him he couldn’t have it. He spotted the invitation and did wonder but as soon as he was home again he totally forgot about it.

When we drove into the driveway at 5:45 last night, after a day out on a wine tour as a gift from Kathy and Tim for his 60th, Robert was ready to just take it easy and watch TV. He told me, “I’m not cooking tonight; it’s my birthday. You are on your own for dinner.” He unlocked the front door, walked in and saw the dining room table out of place and asked, “Why is the table moved…” when suddenly everyone standing in the living room yelled “Surprise.” He about fell over, he backed up and opened his mouth wide in total shock. Then everyone came streaming out of the living room to give him hugs and to wish him a happy 60th. He was overwhelmed by all the familiar faces, many of them he had not seen for a while.

He had no idea everyone was here when we pulled into the driveway because the house was dark; there was not a single car in sight. The arrival of guests was very well organized; everyone had been directed to park their cars in the field. Guests were quietly gathered waiting in the living room ducking down so they wouldn’t be spotted through the windows. The only clue something was amiss was the Mazda not parked in the driveway to the field. Robert did not notice it was missing. After all he had been drinking wine all day!

Even I was blown away with how great everything looked and what an amazing job everyone had done getting everything ready while we were away. Most amazing was Kathy. She was the driving force behind Robert’s surprise party. She sent out save the date cards, sent out the invitations, requested photos and messages for a book she designed for him. She hired a caller and a band for hoedown dancing and she asked family for help with the dinner menu and getting our house ready by cleaning up and moving things out of the way for square dancing on the patio, picking up rental tables and chairs and decorating.

The theme for the party was country; tables were decorated in red checker tablecloths and old fashioned, lantern candleholder centerpieces. Colorful cowboy hats were hung on the backs of chairs. The dance area was accented with bales of hay and tiny, white sparking lights.

The square dancing was a hit. The caller did a wonderful job teaching dance numbers accommodating the wide variety of ages—from two-years-old to 88!

This party was truly one of the best family events ever! Thank you Kathy! Thank you Tim, Chris, Gary, Fely, Kim, Jean, Nicole, and everyone who made this day truly an extraordinary one!

Photos

Robert’s Memory Book (a draft version—check back later for a final version)

---