September Writing Challenge- Day 2

Prompt- I threw a surprise party for... and this is what happened.

At Mom's party, December 2009
Family photo

A few years ago, I threw a surprise party for my mom's 50th birthday. My dad and my sister helped, of course. One of my aunts made the cake. And, overall, the party was a success.

The problem was keeping the secret from my mother for two whole months. I'm very close to my parents. I tell them just about everything. So, it was very difficult for me to keep this huge thing from my mom. And, as the time drew closer, I was beginning to panic about getting things done and worrying about people who were not replying as to whether or not they were coming which drives me insane. Also, people were asking me what to get Mom as a gift and I had no idea. Whenever I asked her, just casually, she would say things like "world peace" or "a cure for cancer." Totally not helping. And, when I am worried about things, it's hard to keep it contained.

So, the night before the party, my parents and I are eating dinner and I'm mentally going through all the things I have to do the next day to get ready. Mom could tell something was bothering me but every time she asked, I lied and said nothing. Finally, she says, "I know what I want for my birthday."

Without thinking, I blurt, "Oh, now you tell me."

"So you got me something," she says, curious now.

My eyes went wide, I probably went pale and in my head I'm saying, *Shit! Blabber mouth. Now what?* What I said was, "You're gonna have to wait and see."

"I bet you can't keep it til Tuesday," she said. (Her actual birthday was the Tuesday after. The party was on a Friday)

"You're gonna have to wait and see," I said again, thinking this is a vague enough reply. The whole time my dad is laughing and I was worried he was going to blab as well. But, he didn't. When my mom arrived at the party and got over her initial shock, she came over to me and said, "I knew you couldn't keep it til Tuesday."

As I said, overall, the party was a success. The people who meant most attended. We had it at the old catering hall I used to work at so some friends who were former coworkers served the food. Everything was great. I took lots of pictures and memories were made that my mom will never forget.

What about you? What are some of your surprise party experiences? Leave a comment below and share. I'd love to hear.

Thanks for reading!

Carey

Happy Mother's Day

Hi everyone,
Wow, it's been a while. Sorry. But I'm on vacation from Day Job so I'll be doing lots of writing.

But today I wanted to tell you about the most influential and important woman in my life. In honor of Mother's Day.

My wonderful mom. My best friend, shoulder to cry on, confidante, and hero. She, and Dad, have sacrificed so much for me and my sister. She's held us when we scraped our knees or broke up with boyfriends. She sewed Halloween and play costumes. We've driven her crazy. We've made her laugh. My sister and I would fight like cats when we were little. Complete with hair pulling. Occasionally there was bloodshed. (I got knocked into a nightstand and cut my back on a sharp corner. Still got the scar.) And an odd trip to the ER while playing in the yard. (Line drive to the head 3 days before my 18th birthday) And who knows what else life has in store but no matter what, I know I can count on Mom to support me.

So, today, give your mom an extra hug and kiss. If you live far away, call her. (Actually call and have a conversation. Skype works, too.) If your mom is no longer alive, say a prayer of thanks, pull out the old photo album or scrapbook and reminisce about the good times.

Love you, Mama. Thank you for everything.