The Big 80th Birthday Party

Water Valley, MS> The day finally arrived for the big birthday bash. It was held at the Tearoom in Water Valley. Denise had set everything up with CJ (the owner). The tables were festive with balloons, the food was delicious, photos of dad from every age in his life were scattered around the tables and walls. Big band music played softly on an old phonograph. Everyone brought presents.He even had a picture birthday cake!
Marilyn came with Hanh and sat at the head table with Mom and Dad.
Trent and Shelley, Paul and Wanda, Rex and Denise, all sat together
Haley, Hillary and Sarah sat with Tyler and Kyle and seemed to have a great time
Spencer and Erin sat with Michael and his friend Hannah. They kept things spiced up!

Even our cousins, Bebo and Kent came with their wives Jan and MaryJean. They sat with Kim Jones.
Trent gave a speech! "When I was a boy, my dad taught me to hunt"
Blah, Blah, Blah! Give a boy a fish, you feed him for a day. Yada, Yada, Yada,
Teach a boy to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Blah, blah, yada, yada
Crickets chirped followed by polite applause.

Paul gave a speech! He laid out his 10 Dad points in Lawyerese.
1. blah, blah, blah, What the hell? 2. Yada, yada, yada, I'm getting sleepy. 3. more blah, blah, Can't keep my eyes open. 4. yada, yada, glassy eyes. 5. gentle snores 6. loud snores. no one heard the rest of the points! Polite applause as everyone recovered from their stupor.

Rex gave a speech! The audience was gripped by his words. In the tradition of Hemingway, Robert Frost, Lincoln and Nash Buckingham, his great oration, razor wit and rapier style captured the audience. They hung on his every word as he talked about his love for his father. He made the audience laugh, they cried, they intently absorbed his every word. They went crazy! They cheered and clapped as he finished and modestly sat down.


Dad ate cake, said a few words of Thank Yous, and opened presents.
It was a wonderful and fitting party for a man we all love so well. We hated that it was over and we wish that we could do more to show our appreciation. Happy 80th Birthday Dad! We Love You!