The First 60 Years

My birthday was last week and the family went out to TFIFriday's after church on Sunday to celebrate. We had a delicious meal and lots of laughing and just enjoying each other's company. The wait staff came by with their birthday song and an ice-cream sundae for me. It was a little embarrassing, but fun, nonetheless.

This week, I received a belated birthday card from a friend. She said she had told Kara that she had a previous engagement, and that she was sorry she missed the celebration. Celebration? I didn't understand. We went out to lunch the previous Sunday, but we didn't have anyone but family there. I put the card aside, but I kept coming back to the message. I asked Jimmy, but he didn't know. We figured she just meant that the card didn't come on time, or something. I still kept thinking about it and finally called Kara to see what she could make of it, since she was mentioned in the card.

"Aaauugghh", said Kara. That's when Kara couldn't think of a good lie and had to tell me that she's been planning a surprise party for me for the past month! Two days before the party the secret leaked out. Oh, wow! A party! Sad for her, but exciting for me!

Last night was the party at church. The food was incredible! Kara did it all herself. If she ever wants to quit teaching, I think she could go into catering. Come to think of it, she catered a party for our 25th wedding anniversary and she also catered a party for Jimmy's 50th.

Kara had taken the photo album of my pictures and had some of them blown up large and hung them on the walls. My 12 school pictures were on a table. Oh my! The one from 2nd grade where I only grinned because I was missing some teeth. The hair styles were a hoot. My blue glasses from 5th grade were smashing! There were the several years in a row that my hair had a mind of it own - sticking out here and not lying down over there! The goofy one from 9th grade where I was trying to look elegant. Everyone kept asking about the picture of the girl wearing the drum major uniform. Well, duh! It was a picture of me before my metabolism shut down. I used to be able to eat anything, any time, anywhere. My baby picture was also on the wall. I looked like a little bald baby boy in a dress. People were also asking who the little girl in the wedding dress was. Again! Duh! I was young and fat-free.

We laughed and ate and had a great time. Too soon the evening was over. We cleaned up and headed home. I've got a lot of "Thank you" notes to write. The party may be over but the memories will last me a long, long time.