SURPRISE!!!

I'm so humble.........
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hardly know where to start. Probably have to be, Chrissy. What an amazing daughter, to decide that she wanted to have a party to honor her aging mother. To the ones who wanted to help.....Steph, Jarad, Ashley, Brian, Pam, Connie, you guys ROCK!
I actually found out about the party several days before. Chrissy was so upset that I knew but as usual, Chrissy did what Chrissy does best. She decided we wouldn't focus on the ruined surprise but focus on what I didn't know. So after she got over her initial disappointment she said, "You have no idea where or what other surprises are in store."
I didn't....
I couldn't imagine....
I thought I knew who would be at my party.
I knew our best friends would be there: John & Robbie, Jim & Kay, Dan & Shelly, Marvin & Marilyn.
I knew, of course, that it would be Chrissy's family plus Connie, Jarad's family, & Steph's family...ALL of THEM! They love and honor me everyday of my life, I promise!
Pam & Steve, they are just like family. Can ALWAYS count on them!
These are all people who are consistently in our lives. People who contact me or other people in my life to make sure WE are okay. I can't say enough about how much these people mean to US!
Everyone else.......Wow!
I couldn't stop the tears as I looked around the room and saw so many people who have touched my life and are so special, in their own way, to me. This post would be way to long if I listed everyone. It makes me proud to say that there were at least 80 people who would come to a party in my honor. Just a few.......
Donna, Dana, Clint, & the boys...You know that my love for you is unconditional. I love you always! Our memories are precious and many! I'm so humble that Clint upon hearing of my party decided their family would be there. Nothing any more important! Wow! All the way from Oklahoma!
Delphia & Susan....You girls know that I live for our monthly lunches. I NEED to see you every month or life doesn't seem balanced!
Linda & Bob Reynolds....I'm so honored that you would attend when you are fighting the biggest battle of your life. Cancer strikes again..... Thank you for sharing my big night, I will never forget. Holly Melton & the girls......Thank you so much for coming. It was just last year when we talked about your husband, Jeff and I both turning 49. We were excited to think that the next year Jeff and I could celebrate together with a big 5-0 party. My heart broke when you had to let him go months later to cancer. I'm sure he was with us........I love you.
And last but not least, my Dad, brother Gary, sister-in-law Jay, Amber, Noah, and Jonathan. You are all so special to me and I'm so glad you were there to share fifty with me. Gary, you are not far behind! I love, love, love you guys!
So thank you for making me feel so special! Please, if you read my blog and I didn't mention you it is not because you don't mean the world to me. I cherished every face I saw and each person has a special place in my heart.
Special memory from the party......
Before my arrival, packed house, my dad looks around and says to my brother and his family, "you know, none of these people would be here right now if it wasn't for me!" Well said DAD! Thank you Dad and Mom for giving me LIFE!