My head is STILL reeling. I've never been so surprised nor have I had so much fun as I did this past weekend. My teeth are dry from smiling and my sides hurt worse than any workout I've ever done from laughter. It was truly one of the BEST days. I'm glad I got here and I couldn't have without all of you that participated, helped and wished me well on my first 39th birthday. (Yes, my last official "counting" birthday)
For those of you who could not hear from the back of the room; this is a copy of my daughter's speech. From what I understand, this was all hers: a gift to me and I truly cherish it as I do her and all of my family and friends that helped me celebrate so much: tribulations, failures and sadness; life, love and friendship.
Happy Birthday Mom
From the time you were born to the time you were two, you used to follow your brother all around. Often, as I understand through your stories, you and he used to get into a LOT of t rouble together. But have you complained to me once about those dirty tricks my uncle played on you? No! You always looked at it from a different point of view, like it was all a joke. Thinking like that helped you guys go from squabbling siblings to forever friends. I think I stand for everyone when I say Happy Birthday.
When you were older you got a chance to get back at Uncle Doug. You convinced him to stick his tongue to that metal slide of yours. I remember that story so well. When you told it to us, Ben started to laugh so hard he was crying!
My favorite stories are the ones where you guys had that clown robot and drove it toward your brother's friend and when you two were horsing around and you threw cheese onto the ceiling. Then your mother walked in and yelled "Who threw cheese on the ceiling?"
You see Mom, you are filled with wonderful memories in your stories. Some you can't remember and some are to precious to tell. So today, we hope we helped you make more memories that you're sure to never forget. These memories won't be too precious to tell. In fact, I'm sure you'll want to share them with everyone you meet. So let me be the first to start singing:
"Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Come on Everybody
Happy Birthday Dear Barbara
Happy Birthday to YOU"
We hope you enjoyed your surprise and you are SURE memorable to us.
We love you.
I am speechless Maddie Honey. I thank you. I thank everyone. I hope you had as much fun as I did: the pictures, the food, the music, memories (new and old)...all of it, for all the travelling by all of you and the time you took. It means so much to me. I have posted a few of the NICE pictures. The others of course are for sale. For those of you still in my house? Please get out. The party is over. There is no more food.
Thanks, I love you.
Contessa
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