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Mission accomplished!
(by Michael Dennehy - August 06, 2008)
Whew! It’s over! It was a long difficult campaign made only more difficult because of the secrecy necessary. The last two months a ‘surge’ was necessary to ensure success and successful it was! All the maneuvering; confidential texting and phone calls, always making sure you were not overheard or seen at the wrong time or place. All credit must go to the “A Team”: Christine, Kim, Ingrid, Tracey and of course “Mom.” Mom is my wife Kay.
The operation code name “Bridal Shower Amy” (BSA) concerns the wedding of our daughter Amy in October – I may have mentioned that. I thought planning for her wedding was all-consuming. So too was this affair. It started off with the team trying to pick the best time for BSA. July was finally selected. Next came the list of attendees. Kay and the gals met on several occasions and talked on the phone I don’t know how many times. And remember, this had to be done without Amy having a clue. Of course Amy knew her friends were going to throw her a shower so she was on the alert.
They came up with about 80 names including relatives, friends, and co-workers. We’re gonna have to rent an auditorium, I thought! But it’s great, really. Amy has known Christine, Kim, Tracey and Ingrid virtually all her life – kindergarten through graduation from Westwood High.
Next was finding the right restaurant. Nominations were put forward. The A-team members had recommendations. Other friends and family members were asked for recommendations. The team whittled them down to a favorite five or so. Then of course the ladies had to try them out to see which was best. Leave it to the gals to find another excuse to eat out. One was settled upon which satisfied the A-team. Responses started to come in. Kay was frantic she’d spill the beans accidentally. Amy by now was making a game of it. Wedding gifts were starting to arrive. She and Marc were starting to run out of room so they had to be stored at our place. Another excuse for Amy to drop by unexpectedly and sniff around to see when the big day was scheduled. She’d check out the desk by the phone; perhaps notes lying around; or slip-ups Kay might make. Kay got real nervous at the end. The day before the shower Amy called about four times. It’s the first time in her life Kay wished Amy wouldn’t call.
It was toughest on Marc because, as he said, he never lied to Amy. Now there’s the makings of a good husband! Me? Well, as usual, I just stood around lookin’ pretty while “AFO” (awaiting further orders). I specialize as chauffeur, gofer and doing any heavy lifting, unless it’s too heavy – then Kay handles it – heh-heh! At the end we had no place to put more gifts. Our garage was filled with her gifts and gear of all sorts left behind by our three children when they finally moved out. They’d make the plaintive cry; “Oh Mom, Dad I really need this stuff but I don’t have room for it right now!” This would be in 1985, and the stuff is still there! Our cars have been homeless for 20 years!
When bridal shower day arrived, Marc told Amy they were going to take his mom with his brother and his fiancé out for brunch. Amy was not suspicious, or so we think. Anyway, she said she was surprised when she walked in and everybody applauded. Marc, three husbands of attendees and I had helped bring the gifts to the restaurant. We also carted a large white wicker chair for Amy to sit in while she opened her gifts. There were two red cushions for the chair that matched the color of the bridesmaid dresses, of course. After Amy’s arrival the guys had to leave this room of beautiful women and go have lunch to return at 4 p.m. when the party was over. Life is not fair!
After this adventure I am more convinced than ever of the power of women. Had we got a group of women together a quarter of a century ago we would not only have men on the moon but families living in condos – each condo appropriately decorated.
I said that last strictly for points.
PS. – Some readers were concerned about Amy’s health after the last column. Thank you. She is fine and everything is on schedule for her wedding.
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