Surprise!

Surprise! We were able to pull off a party for my mom which proved to be tricky. The party was initially planned for Friday, February 4th but Covid-19 ruined that. One silver lining is that because we had to reschedule the party, my sister, Jill was able to be in town. 

I had to lie to my mom to get this entire night to happen. Lying is not my forte. I tossed around several ideas before deciding which lie was best. I asked my parents to babysit at our house the night of the party. I said that the bishop wanted to meet with Andrew and I, so we would only be gone for 20ish minutes. I even went as far as having my mom and other family members make guesses about who was getting a new calling (since we were meeting with the bishop) and what it would be. Maybe I took that a little too far...

I had to make sure my mom came hungry to our house which was a challenge. My parents are senior-citizen eaters meaning that they usually eat dinner around 4:00pm. I told my mom that we've been wanting to have them over for weekly dinners before they leave the country (which is true and I've mentioned it to her before). My mom thought the plan was that we would have dinner together, and then Andrew and I would slip off to our interview.

I'm shocked we pulled it off. An hour and a half before my parents were set to arrive, I got a frantic text from my dad saying, "Mom is pushing to come early today- she sent you a text- you will have to make up something." My mom's text to me said, "Want us to come over a little early and play with the kids while you prep dinner? We would love it!" In ordinary circumstances, I would have cherished the extra set of hands to watch my kids while I prepared food. Just like that, I had to pop out another lie. I made up that I had a parent swim meeting, had already made a casserole, and probably wouldn't be home from the meeting until right at about 5:30. I then turned off my location sharing, so my mom wouldn't see I was home. Man, lying gets complicated! 

James answered the door when my parents arrived. He said his practiced line dutifully: "Nana, I'm so glad you guys can come over and babysit us!" Nana walked in and we were holding pink balloons, a sign, and we all had breast cancer ribbon pins on. (Note that I went a bit overboard with my pins and wore 6. It looked like I was wearing a ribbon necklace.) I can't believe I didn't think to video my mom's reaction, but she was amazed, so happy, and most importantly, surprised! 

We were supposed to have "The Pie Pizzeria" for dinner which is my Mom's favorite pizza. I called to order the pizza, and just as I was ending the conversation, the lady told me that "The Pie Pizzeria" was closing at 4:00PM. What! I couldn't believe it and said something like, "Wait, is this the Pie Pizzeria? You close at 4:00PM?" Apparently, they are short-staffed. Well, there went that plan. Suddenly, my invitations were even a lie too- The Pie Pizzeria wouldn't be happening. Marco's pizza was a good backup plan and my mom loves that too. We had: 5 pizzas, breadsticks, chips and dip, salad, raspberries, strawberries, drinks, and chocolate cake. There was plenty!

While eating, we all shared something we love about our mom. She is a strong woman. We played a few rounds of the game "heads-up" which ampted the kids up. We laughed hard.

Not only were we blessed by Jill's presence, but she offered to make the chocolate cake and she did a wonderful job! Some may wonder why there are candles on the cake saying 16-- my mom had to have 16 radiation treatments. On her last day of treatment, they let my mom ring a bell 16 times to celebrate that she finished. While in the check-out line at the store with those candles, I was asked who was turning 16. I should have just lied. I've had lots of practice doing that lately. Instead, I told the truth which turned into a much deeper conversation than I wanted with a stranger/cashier. Apparently her mom had breast cancer too. 

I spent time researching cancer-free songs. "I'm a Survivor" and "This is My Fight Song" came up. I figured I could find a song we could sing to my mom while she blew out the candles. I didn't have much success in my search. We ended up using the "Hello Song" from the Primary Children's Songbook. Instead of singing, "Hello," we sang "Goodbye." It was hysterical because it was kind of a bust and we didn't know what lyrics to sing other than lots and lots of "Goodbyes." 

All of the J5's (my siblings--There are 5 of us and all of our names start with the letter J), helped contribute to a group gift for my mom. Jessica had the idea to get my mom Portuguese scriptures (a quad with her name engraved on them), and a Portuguese hymnbook. It was remarkable that all of the J5's were able to be at the party. Unfortunately, Esther and Lindsey couldn't make the party because Esther was sick. Chris also wasn't able to attend. We missed them! 

I'm just grateful and astounded that the party actually happened. I told my mom I hope to never have to throw a cancer party again, but immediately took it back. I am blessed, indebted, and honored that I was able to throw this party. We have reason to celebrate and my mom was emotional and very pleased to have this special night. I'd take an end of treatment party any day over the alterative. Yes dad, telling mom about the party (like you suggested) would have been much easier, but I think it would have been less sweet. Note to self-- next time when throwing a breast-cancer party, tell everyone to wear pink (I'm new at this). Stay away, cancer!