Celebration of Life
Submitted by Debbie on 2008, July 30 - 09:06.
On Sunday, everyone got ready to go. From the biggest to the littlest, oldest to youngest, everyone was showered, shaved and spit-shined. We were going out on the town.
As we all squeezed into the car, the adventure began. Dad was very concerned about whether or not he was dressed appropriately for the wedding. Were his clothes good enough? Who was getting married? What happened to his wallet? Who was getting married? (again) Where was the wedding to be held? Who was getting married? (again) Ad nauseum.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived. We all rolled out of the car, feeling a little cramped from the tight quarters during the ride. Ready for some fresh air (two teenage boys, hot summer day...not pretty) and ready to eat. We went in and got settled. Then, Dad continues...
Dad: They really didn't put a lot of effort into the decorations, did they?
Debbie: I think the place looks charming, Dad. Look around at all the lovely photos.
Dad (looks at a picture, takes off glasses and squints, puts glasses on and squints again, then whispers in something louder than a whisper): Do we know these people?
Debbie (giggling): It's okay, Dad. Oh, look, a nice glass of water. Would you like a drink?
Dad (scornfully, looking at the glass): Water? No booze? What happened? I thought they drank like fish. Hmmph.
Debbie (shushing Dad and attempting to further distract him): Are you hungry? I bet you are. What sounds good? Chicken? Pasta?
Dad blinked, and I realized we had entered information overload.
Debbie: How about chicken parmigiana?
Dad: They give you choices? What? Aren't we all having the same meal. This is the damnedest wedding I've ever seen. Look at the waitress...all in black. Shameful. And look around; no one brought any gifts. Oh, where is our gift? (In a stage whisper that was really loud, displaying a knowing grin) I bet the bride is pregnant.
At this point, we had the attention of the entire restaurant. We were not at a wedding. We had gone to dinner to celebrate my birthday. But, you know what? Wedding, birthday, it's just a name. It was a celebration of life, love and family—and isn't that what birthdays and weddings really are?