Mom: 80 Years!

We celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday with a surprise party this past weekend. My sisters and I, along with our families and my Uncle (my Mom's only living relative of her generation) traveled from various places across the US and gathered at her home in Elizabethtown, KY (just like the movie).

It was a HUGE moment as she answered her door and saw all of us there. The surprise caught her totally off-guard, and we delighted as she savored the moment. Even hours later, after our unexpected appearance, she still kept repeating, "I can't believe you are all here!"

We ate and laughed, told funny stories and remembered ways that Mom had impacted our lives. Of course we watched the "video slide show" of old pictures of her life and growing up, and her family as it began to grow with the addition of her children, then grandchildren. (By the way, my Mom was a stunning model in the New York fashion scene in the late 1940's.) Finally, we honored her with gifts and cards, a fitting tribute to one who had invested so much into us.

I love surprises, especially when they bring joy and delight to those whom I love. And my Mom, whom I love dearly, deserves the biggest surprise I have ever been involved in. You see, without her, I would not be here writing this. Now that may sound pretty trite, but beyond the fact that 51+ years ago she gave birth to me, she invested pretty much her whole life into me and my three sisters.

So honor is only fitting for a godly woman who has distinguished herself as a mother, grandmother, counselor and friend. Who in your life is deserving of honor, praise and perhaps a surprise party? Make some plans to give honor where honor is due!