It was a celebration fit for a queen – Our Queen! This past weekend we honored our beloved mom, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother in royal style. It was an event I’m sure none of us, especially our guest of honor, will ever forget.
Next to arrive was daughter Diana who showed up at Mom’s house after the show. Then at our “quiet birthday dinner,” daughter Maria, son-in-law Wayne, and grandson Will popped out with Carolyn. After a dinner that was anything but quiet, son Tom appeared through the front door along with daughter-in-law Debbie, granddaughter Meghan, and great-grandson Thomas. Smiles, tears, and laughter filled the room, but more surprises lay ahead.
Next we moved to the living room for our first series of birthday gifts. This one arrived in the form of a large, brightly colored bag packed with seven presents. As Mom unwrapped the first item, I explained that it was time to pick out a birthday dress. Maria held up the first one accurately dubbed “Classic.” Debbie paraded around the next very sparkly, sequined frock Mom called “Street Walker.” Next out of the bag was a bright Christmas red
And the final dress … (drumroll please). Husband Ed snatched it out of Mom’s hands and declared it the winner the moment the dress was unveiled — “Simple Elegance” was its name. The models then took a final parade lap around the living room with their best sell job. Then Mom selected her Top 3 — Rose´ All Day, Royal Red, and Simple Elegance. With the groans of a few dissenters, the group decided to add one more back in, voting for a “Comeback Dress” and giving Jess the nod with “Sleeves.” In the end, Ed was right. He picked the winner — in dresses and women. Our beautiful Queen would be donned in “Simple Elegance” on her birthday. But she still had no idea that she would be wearing it for a party in her honor.
Porchcast, complete with robing and coronation with a shimmering new golden 90th crown. Then came a few more gifts and an announcement, “You have the dress. You have the crown. And it’s your big day so we’re going big. Surprise, we’re having a party!” Upon hearing the cue word “party,” a few assigned family members disappeared into rooms behind closed doors and emerged with decorated tables complete with cake, treats, flowers, decorations, etc. A few minutes later the first party guests arrived along with son Scott, who had traveled from Italy to be a part of this special day. Friends continued to file in all afternoon with birthday greetings, and a cake with 90 candles lit up the room to top off the celebration. After it
For the grand finale to this amazing weekend celebration, we withdrew to the basement to watch a 45-minute video created by Jess in honor of the birthday girl — to tell her story through photos, videos, and her favorite songs. Tears welled up when the video started as a lifetime of memories flashed before our eyes. Dancing, speeches, and lots of hugs completed the night.
Mom, From mother of 7 to grandmother of 18, to great-grandmother of 4, you make 90 look easy. Here’s to many more years and celebrations to come. We love you, Mom!
Long Live Our Queen!
