We did IT!!

"Surprise!!"

I can not believe we pulled it off. My sister, brother and I planned a surprise anniversary party for our parents. It was their 40th!! Wow- that's a loooong time to be married. My parents have provided me a fairy-tale life. They both come from farming families, and both grew up extremely poor. My mom is one of 12 kids- yes twelve kids, they were cotton farmers in Louisiana and dirt poor. (The picture above is my mom's family. It's the only picture with the entire family.) My dad has one brother, and he came from a dairy farm here in Tennessee. (They both know the meaning of work!) I had wonderful grandparents, but 3 of the 4 were alcoholic. In fact, my dad's mom died on her 68th birthday from dehydration because of being so intoxicated. Obviously my parents didn't have the easiest childhood. Growing up poor and with alcoholic parents, well, this didn't set the best example for my parents.

Here's what so amazing, my parents are the most wonderful and happy parents. They have always had the "can do" attitude. They loved their parents, and I never even knew of the problems they had until I was an adult. I never heard my parents talk badly of their parents. My mom & dad have been great parents, they have raised 3 kids, who have turned out to be productive and happy people.

My parents taught us to be positive, and look for the good in others. They taught us the meaning of true love, which for us meant we may not always liking someone's actions, but you can still love the person. Love meant saying your sorry, even if sometimes you didn't mean it. It means when you are being annoyed to death by your loved one, you just keep taking deep breaths until you could handle it. I try to remind myself of this when I hear my husband crunching his food and it's making me crazy!!

My dad is the most positive person I have EVER known!! He was diagnosed with stage 3, throat cancer 2 1/2 years ago. He has gone through hell and back, dealing with pain that when I think back on it, makes me cry as I am typing this. My dad has taught me the only thing in life I can change is my attitude, which determines my altitude. He was the one who said to us- just 'do it', and 'what are really afraid of?'. He makes me want to be a better person. He inspires me to be the best I can be each day.

My mom is the butterfly- you never know where she will land, but you know she will always land on her feet. She made sure I had every opportunity possible. She use to tell me, she never had the chance to do such and such, and wanted to make sure I would have opportunities to do the stuff she only dreamed about as a child. She came from a tiny, tiny town and is now a city commissioner, and was mayor of Brentwood, TN a few years ago. She is the American Dream! She is one of the best friends I could have ever have. She listens to all my drama's and has always given my good advise, even if it meant not siding with me and having to tell me I was wrong.

My parents are unbelievable people. I am beyond blessed to have them. I only hope my kids will think of me, as I think of them. If that happens, I will feel like a successful parent.

We had a great turn out- about 60 or so folks were there. We, as the kids, were honored at the people who showed up to honor our parents. My parents were totally surprised!! They had no idea what was going for few minutes, then the tears and laughter started. It was a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to do something like that, and it was wonderful!

Gratitudes
1. Celebrating 40 years of my parents being together!
2. The surprise party being over.
3. My brother, sister and I not killing each other as we pulled this off. (we all 3 like to be 'in charge';-))
4 My wonderful husband for handle baby patrol & helping during the party
5 All the friends we were able to celebrate with!