On Turning Sixty... and Surprises.

Today I was invited to a combined 60th birthday party... for my friends Donna and Stephanie.  I knew about the party months ago, but THOUGHT it was only for them....  Boy was I WRONG.

The party was for them all right but it was a Surprise Party for MY 60th birthday.

We had already been to a 50th Anniversary party for our cousins, Roseanne and Mill Affleck.  I was watching the clock because the birthday party was to start at 2 pm.

We went to Fishers and I knew we were a bit late. I walked in, and saw the first face belonged to Steve Quinn, my friend and former boss.  I'm thinking "what the hell is HE doing here"... then look at the table he's sitting at and see Roseanne Gleeson, a co worker.  I look to my left and by now everyone is yelling "SURPRISE" but it's not making sense to me.  I look again and see a table with Anne Jones, and next to her is Marc Rapson.  Now my mind is reeling, what are THEY doing here???  I see Bill Thrower snapping photos, and see Donna and Stephanie.  Now I know THEY'RE supposed to be there!!

It took a full minute for me to realize I'd been royally HAD.

I was truly speechless, and for those of you who know me, that's pretty rare.  I actually cried a little, also pretty rare for me.  I've never been a 'crier'.

Anyway, it was a blast of a party, my Mom, Lou, my brothers, sisters in law, nephews, brothers in law and sisters in law (who'd just left the last party, too).  Of course I thank my friends who are also family, Steve Quinn, Jerry and Kathy Reilley, Bill Thrower, my "brotherman".

Of course I'd like to specially thank Anne and Chuck Jones, and my dear Rapson boys, Marc, Ryan and Sean.  (who was supposedly going to check on Ziva!)...  And of course, my sneak-in-chief of a husband, Lou, and his co-conspirators, Donna and Leon Makowiecki, and of course Stephanie Hickman.

I cannot tell you how much it means to me to call you all my family and friends.  I love you all beyond measure.  You are all within my "defending circle" and will always be there.

Thanks again for being there for me, always.

In love,

Patty  xoxoxox