My children and grandchildren pulled off the biggest surprise of my life last night by meeting us at Olive Garden to celebrate our 40th anniversary! Yes, read that again…our children and grandchildren met us for dinner! Karen, Katrina, Robert, Austin, Taylor- all together at the same table!
And I didn’t have a clue that they were going to be there! It never even crossed my mind that my children from three different states- two different coasts- with busy lives and jobs and schedules, would all be sitting at a table waiting to have dinner! Add to the logistics of it the fact that one hates to fly and two have children in school and you might fully understand my amazement.
Robert asked us several weeks ago to be sure that we kept the weekend open because “after all, my parents have been married forty years”. He made sure that his father requested the weekend off. He teased us unmercifully in a series of emails about what we were going to do…asking us if we had wading boots, if we were afraid of heights, if we liked circus animals, etc. but wouldn’t give us a hint about his actual plans. I even commented to my daughters and several friends that I was a bit fearful of what he had planned because as everyone knows he has a slightly skewed sense of humor. LOL
Finally this week he asked us to meet him at Olive Garden Friday night, which we gladly did. He and his friend Amber met us in the parking lot and we all walked up to the front desk. I thought Robert had probably mentioned our occasion when making the reservations because the hostess had such a big grin on her face when she asked “How are you this evening?” Little did I know!!
The waiter led us out to the dining area while inquiring about whether we wanted a table or booth, then suddenly turned back and said, “Oh I think you are over here” and led us back a few steps. I almost fainted when I saw a big group already seated and realized it was OUR group!!
I’m sure you will see more photos and perhaps even a video later, but let me just tell you it’s a good thing I’m on new blood pressure medicine! The hostess asked me if I was surprised and I told her she was lucky she hadn’t had to pick me up off the floor. “Incredulous” doesn’t begin to do justice to my reaction!
We had a splendid evening of eating, laughing and talking. The manager came over twice to talk to us and we assured him we would be back for our 50th. We took more photos. We finished off the evening with ice cream at Braum’s. And today there is another surprise planned! Whatever it is surely can’t compare to the sight of my family waiting at that table. It is a memory I will cherish forever! Gary and I talked about it all the way home.
Of course I must add that our sweet Hope was unable to join us because she is attending college in Nova Scotia and taking her finals this week. We will talk with her this weekend.
I said on Facebook yesterday that I was ready for a “Fun Friday”! WOW! I was so excited this morning I woke up at 3:30! It’s going to be a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
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