February Memories: The Surprise Party

I have written a little of this story before, but tonight I want to record it in its entirety.  In February of 2000, my mom was turning the big 5-0!  We had talked and joked about it but had not made any definite plans...until my mom's friend Marge got involved.  She decided to throw my mama a surprise party to celebrate her big day.  What I remember is that I had come home for the weekend from college and Grandma Betty was also up at our house.  On Friday night, we all loaded up in our car and headed to the Drommond's house.  Marge had told my mom that we were all going to go to an open house at Dave's work but Marge needed a ride since she had some "car trouble".  My mom was not an easy person to surprise, so our plan had to be intricate.  When we got to the Drommond's, Marge met us at the door and insisted that we immediately come in and come downstairs.  She said that her daughter Maele (one of my best friends) had sent something amazing from her mission, and we just had to see it!  My mom seemed a bit impatient (she thought we were going to be late for the open house), but we all piled out of the car and headed down to the basement, including Grandma Betty.

What happened next is something I will never forget!  When we got to the bottom of the stairs, everyone yelled surprise and there were most of my mom's very best friends.  Someone snapped this picture (I don't know who!), and it is one of my all time favorites!  I cannot tell you how many times I have looked at it over the years. The expression on Mom's face is total joy and excitement and happiness...and this is how I like to remember her.

We spent the evening eating, talking and laughing.  Those were my mom's favorite things to do!  She was definitely in her favorite element.  It was such an overwhelmingly happy night. I am not kidding when I say that everyone loved my mom...probably because she loved everyone.  They were all happy to come and celebrate her.  I wish we had more pictures, but we only took a few. The few we took are precious...her beloved friends and family gathered together to celebrate her.

How could any of us have known that just a few days later, she would become sick...and that this 4 month battle would be her last.  She passed away in June of that same year.  The people in these pictures stood beside us and in many ways carried us through that painful journey.  In life, there are often tender mercies...and surely this party was a tender mercy.  I still smile when I think of that night.  I am so grateful that Marge threw that surprise party.  There wasn't going to be another opportunity.

Recently one of my kiddos asked if they could have a Valentine's party.  I so badly wanted to say, "not this year...maybe next year when things slow down a little."  But I paused and heard myself say, "Sure, sounds fun.  What can I help you with?"  As plans for this party amp up, I have to keep reminding myself of my reply (and someone remind me of my happiness and joy next Saturday, ok?)  Throw that party!  Have a get together!  Spend time with those you love. I am so glad we had that final surprise party!