Happy Birthday Big Al

My cousin Albert turned 75 on May 25th. We wanted to throw him a surprise party to honor him. We tried to figure out a date that would accomodate everyone. (I know, that's impossible) but we finally settled on June 6th. Since that date was 2 weeks after his birthday, we figured he'd really be surprised. My cousin Deb and Al's granddaughter Katie and I went to see his wife Gladys a while back to see what she thought of the idea. She said that as long as she could tell Al that she didn't have anything to do with it and it wasn't her idea, she was all for it. She had promised him years ago that she would never throw him a surprise party.............we on the other hand made no such promise!! You've got to know Big Al, he is just the sweetest man on earth. He has always been there for all of us. We've been through it all in this family and through thick and thin Al has been our rock. Do you know how when something bad happens and you're all gathered together and someone inevitably says..............."Why is it that we can find the time to get together when something bad happens, but never seem to be able to find the time to do so just for fun?".............well, that's why we wanted to throw a party.

We had a picnic at a nearby park and everybody brought something and just relaxed and had a good time! I was a little concerened about the weather. We had some pretty bad thunderstorms and a tornado watch out for most of the morning, and we didn't have a back up plan in case of bad weather. Thankfully, Sandi came to the rescue. The doctor that she works for offered his office if we would have needed to move the party. The office is a converted house and it's very homey. The weather turned nice around noon. The humidity left and we had nice weather. Just a little breezy for the older folks, but it really wasn't too bad.

We had planned this weeks ago and all seemed to be going as planned (for the most part) until I woke up on Sunday morning with PINK EYE!!!!! Yeah, you read that right. I got stupid pink eye! I'd been fighting a sore throat and cold for a little over a week and apparently I lost the fight. I had to be put on antibiotics. I figured there was no way that I was going to be able to go to the party. Sandi and Bill picked up all of my stuff and I was just going to stay home. I was laying on the couch when the phone rings and I forgot to send something with Sandi. I said that I'd bring it over and would leave. Well, things don't always go as planned. I thought I'd stay long enough to see Albert be surprised and then I'd go home. Well, I ended staying for the whole thing. I kept myself at a distance from everyone and Jeanine got me a plate of food, and the next thing I know, I'm not feeling half bad and really had a good time!

I think deep down, Albert was happy to have us all together to celebrate with him. and that's all that matters!!!

I DO hope noone comes down with pink eye though..............