55

Last Saturday was my Mama's 55th birthday. 

Last Saturday was rainy, r-e-a-l-l-y rainy.

And stormy, very stormy - like tornado watches were issued and everything.

Last Saturday was the day I had planned a super special surprise birthday luncheon for my Mama and her long lost friend Susan.

So, to get my Mama there I told her that me and the Laney-bird wanted to take her to a girls lunch on her birthday and that we had a special little surprise for her (wink, wink!)

She agreed to go and told me that she really wanted to work in the pasture on her birthday (crazy- I know!) and we needed to meet early in case she ended up working.  

(First of all, I'm thinking great! - she's gonna show up in her work clothes and second of all, when has my mother EVER done anything early?)

Well, the pasture thing didn't work out because of the weather.

And on the day of the luncheon, she texts me and says we need to meet even earlier because of the weather.  So, I text sweet Susan and ask her if she can be there 30 minutes earlier than we had planned and she said she could - even though she was coming from WAY far away!  

So, I get to Mama's house and it is literally POURING and thundering and the wind is howling.  I'm thinking - is this worth it? - risking our lives for this surprise!  I'm gonna have to tell her!  But, when she got in the car, I just said "Happy Birthday!  We're not gonna let this weather get US down!"

She went along with it and I thought okay, this is gonna happen if we can just make it to the restaurant.

Then at one point she even tried to get me to switch and go to another restaurant - this told me she really had no idea.  

So, we FINALLY get there (late as usual, sorry Susan!), and get into the restaurant.  I saw Susan peaking through the window as we drove up (yay!) and we get in line to order and Susan sneaks up behind us!  It was so exciting - we pulled it off and my Mama yelled SO loud that everybody in the restaurant looked at us!  They gave each other a big hug and automatically reconnected.  Which is what  describes a real friend right?

We ate and ate and talked and talked and decided that we MUST do it again soon! 

The girls!

Talking in the parking lot.

Still talking in the parking lot.

This was my Mama's Facebook status about the day (I think she said it best):

Who knew becoming an official senior citizen could be so much fun? Today, my daughter and little one year old granddaughter took me to lunch at Panera. Yes, during that heavy rain! As a super sweet and thoughtful birthday surprise, Audrey had invited my friend, Susan, that I had not seen in 23 years!!! I screamed with excitement when I saw her! And, yes everyone in the place took note! Susan and I only worked together at Life of Georgia for about 3 years before I went to work for Western Electric (which later became Lucent Technologies). We shared in each other's weddings and the birth of our babies. Then we lost touch for many years. She is the main reason I got on Facebook. We reconnected about a year ago. What a fun memory we made today! Thanks Audrey and Susan for making my day and year! Both of you amaze me with your thoughtfulness and no, I haven't stopped smiling!

Then later that evening we had a little birthday dinner with the fam at our house. 

Nonna and the girlies!

Happy Birthday Mama!

We love you!

And a special thanks to Susan for being so flexible, thoughtful and fun!