50th Anniversary Party II

I took mom to the 50th wedding anniversary party today. What an awesome couple. They both look much younger than their years and are very happy. The party hall was packed with about 200 people.

He has played all these years in an oom-pah band. So there was live music with a bunch of musicians playing their stuff. I guess it was like a low-level Bruce Springsteen party, substitute guitar players for accordion players. A little yodeling added in for effect.

I bought a gift and when I brought it into the car mom said, “I knew you’d come through.” Of course, we signed both of our names. She assured me that I was semi-invited, as the “guest.”

At dinner, we sat across from this man who had some horrible cold. He kept hacking up a lung and would look at me as he did so. He never covered his mouth. I wanted to hold up a napkin between his mouth and my food. This would be a way better diet than any you can think of as the appetite is quickly lost.

Mom introduced me around and I was no longer Jill, but her daughter married to the 2 star general. Some people were genuinely impressed, others either could not hear her or could care less. Either way, it was very uncomfortable and I could not wait for the afternoon to be over. I wanted to run away, but just painted on a plastic smile and nodded to all these strangers.

At about 4, I told mom I was so tired and ready for bed. She got the message. On the way home, she talked about what a great party it was and how popular we were.

Although I hated it, it was one of those days when you have to do what makes your mom happy because our time together is short.