THE GIFT OF FAMIILY

I am so blessed! This past weekend we celebrated my Mom's 75th birthday. It was a surprise party and we did succeed in surprising her. Of course the fibs to get to her to the venue were so involved and looking back are so funny. The expression on Mom's face when she realized that we were at a party for her is unforgettable. The love in the room as she entered was everywhere! And the family and friends in attendance was wonderful. I think the most touching moment was when she saw her sister there. And as she looked around and saw everyone else I am sure she was pleased.

As in previous posts I have discussed my great nieces and nephews, they come from great stock.

My sisters and brother are the best! Being the oldest has it's advantages and a few disadvantages.

I was most generally in charge, being the boss was fun. I never got to seek advice on how my siblings did things. I got blamed for many things. I was always the one who "should have known better"! I was able to do things first, "that is not fair" was heard often.

I have a sister who is just 10 and a half months younger than me and oh how we fought! But oh how I love and appreciate her. She is creative, generous and very loving. She is the one who is in charge now of helping Mom and a younger sister while she is experiencing medical issues. In addition she has 5 of my great nieces and nephews. Her husband is a police officer and I am sure she worries often. My next sister is 28 months younger and she is a great woman, she is truly a survivor having dealt with breast cancer. She has a wonderful husband and together they have two awesome children. She lives in Florida and how I wish she was close by. However we speak often and analyze much! Next comes my brother he is not quite 5 years younger than me but he is so much wiser in age then me. We made him suffer much when he was younger and I do not know how he can be so great to all of his sisters now. He is a great Dad and hubby and also one of my dearest friends! Nine years is between my next sister and me, she is so special to me! After high school she came and was my roomie for about 4 years. We had so many great times and I was lucky to have her with me, she, like me has never been blessed with children but she too loves her nieces and nephews. She has a neat boyfriend and unfortunately also has experienced cancer but is dealing with some changes in her life, but she too is a survivor and she surprises me often with how she reaches out. Her toast at Mom's party was wonderful! Then there is my baby sister, I was already out of the home when she was born and I often teased my Mom by saying she missed me so much, she had to replace me. This lady is so special and I am so lucky that we are close. She has 3 great kids and one angel baby in heaven watching over her. Her husband is a worker and also has two more children that live with them. Oh my what a busy house! My sister is a planner and attempts to get it done, but her daughter is the red head who is almost 4 going on 16! I wish her luck!

They all are blessings to me as is my Mother. We have our ups and downs as most families do, however in good times and bad times we are always there for each other. It might not be in person but always in spirit and love. Yes my Gift of Family is a great blessing!

SHHHH It's A Surprise....

.....Yes it is. This weekend we will be celebrating my Mom's 75th birthday. And we are having a surprise party for her at Margiano's a great Italian restaurant. Can we pull it off? I hope so, my sister and her family arrive tonight from Florida and Louisiana, my brother and his family will come in from Indiana and we are "visiting" Mom this weekend because "the McClure Guesthouse is not rented and we need to get away." Or so Mom thinks.

Coordinating this event has been an event in itself! The original plan was to have a catered party at my sisters new home in Naperville, but due to some personal events happening and our love for our sister we opted for a restaurant venue. Invitations went out and the replies came back and we will be having many of Mom's friends and family attending. Unfortunately her brother could not make it in, but her sister and sister in law will be there. And sadly my Dad's siblings can not make it because my Dad's sister passed away last week and they have gone to her funeral and to be with her children. I am certain though that along with my Dad, Mom's parents and her brother and nephew and in laws many in heaven will be in attendance there own way.

It is my responsibility to get Mom to the venue on time and without seeing anyone who may arrive late. We are having a luncheon and Mom is not a morning person; motivating her will be tough! We have given hints all week to her and if she was listening it should work. I am going to have to tell her where we are going and that we have reservations so that may help. So she does not notice familiar cars we will valet park and proceed in to the restaurant. We have to go to the party room which is on the lower level right by the elevator.

Fifteen years ago we had a surprise 130th birthday party which was the total of Mom and Dad's years, I think Mom was surprised, but Dad said he had his suspicions. It was a success, my only wish is that this could have been a surprise 160th birthday party, but Dad celebrates in Heaven now.

It will be great that we will be together for this time in Mom's life. I just hope she is surprised! Wish us luck and much fun!