When Mom and Dad had their 50th wedding anniversary, all us siblings really wanted to throw a big party. However, Mom's cancer was really throwing her for a loop that year, so we ended up having to have a zoom 50th anniversary party. It was the best we could do under the circumstances. But we decided that the year they would both turn 75, we would throw a big joint surprise party. We told mom that it was just for dad, so she knew a little about it, but not how big it would be. They were both so surprised! They had so many friends and family come from near and far to celebrate. We didn't know it then, but Mom would pass away the next month, before she officially reached her 75th birthday. We were, and continue to be, so grateful we put this party together. It gave so many people a chance to interact with her one more time before she passed, and helped her feel so loved while she was still here.
We had lots of yummy food, a picture display of the two of them over the past 75 years, a big table display of "artifacts" from their lives- things that represented them. Dad's work awards, his evolution of cell phones over the years, his pickleball paddles etc. Mom's favorite children's books, her artwork, her favorite treats etc. We had a balloon arches made lovingly from dear friends, the Eddingtons. Russ put together a playlist of their favorite songs from the eras and Liesl put together a slideshow of pictures from their life. Each child was given an opportunity to share a favorite song and how it related to a memory from Mom and Dad. It was just the best!
We had lots of other fun on this trip too! I got to see my friend Sam, we hiked around Snow Canyon, we hiked around Gunlock falls, played games and did crafts with Grandma and Grandpa, and had a barbecue and ate on the patio while Grandpa played his oldies on the Bose stereo.
