Tammi's World

Good Times

So I mentioned Mama Vi's birthday is coming up the end of the month. She'll be 75. For her 70th I managed to throw a surprise party (within our family reunion) where the entire family was there. She is the oldest living child right now, and has always been the matriarcal figure in the family. All the brothers and sisters had a chance to tell stories - funny, sad, moving....and the grandchildren had the opportunity to let her know just how important she is to our family. It rocked!!

This year, the reunion is next weekend and there are few that will be able to attend (me being one of them) so I asked Mama how she wanted to celebrate.

With no hesitation she stated she wanted a family dinner. OUR family.

Ok - that's what you want, that's what I'll give you. But I wanted it to be stress free and fun. Since it's a haul to my place me cooking is out. So - I decided we'll go where ever she wants to go - my treat. She picked Red Lobster. Ok - it's her day, it's whatever she wants.

I called my sister and made sure she reserved the date. Then I called my neices and nephew to make sure they knew about it and made plans to attend. I stressed, that since no one is in a serious relationship this is JUST FAMILY.

I also promised that my sister and I would refrain completely from arguing. In fact, in talking with her the other day I gave her a list of topics that are taboo.

I want happy people at this dinner. Period. It's Mama Vi's day and I will not tolerate any issues. None. Nada.

So - I'm making plans to leave work a bit early that weekend, just so I miss the worst of the traffic. Not loving the idea of driving Maggie May that far, but hey - a daughters gotta do what a daughters gotta do. It's a special occasion and I'm not gonna ruin it.

But ohhh, can I tell you how nervous I am about this whole family dinner thing? As much as I love them - ours? Yeah, not usually so good. Maybe we'll all get struck with laryngitis and we'll be forced to communicate with sign language.

On second thought, that probably wouldn't be so good either........

Posted by Tammi at October 7, 2006 08:04 AM | TrackBack