Family Man of the Year Award

I started this a while ago, but I got lazy. So here it is!

On April 30th 2005, my godfather, The Patriarch, was awarded a Family Man of the Year Award by our local chapter of the K of C.

Mom and I learned about this almost two months ago, back in March. All of the G-Clan ladies and their families and Princess Pinoy and Cool Guy Al were all going to say they were all coming home all at the same time because Hoochie Momma's birthday is around then. It's the perfect cover. It's hard to keep a secret for two months, especially when you have a memory as bad as mine and you forget who's in on it and who isn't. It's also hard when you don't know where you're supposed to be the day before the big event is set to happen. So, I called Hoochie Momma.

--------------------------------
Hoochie Momma: I can't talk right now.

Laura: Okay!

(later)

Hoochie Momma: Sorry, I couldn't talk earlier. My mom was right next to me.

Laura: (suddenly remembering that Grand Momma MG was not in "the know") That's okay.

Hoochie Momma: So here's what's gonna happen. We're all supposed to meet outside the hall at 6:30 and we have to go in the back entrance.

Laura: Sounds easy enough.
--------------------------------

It's never that easy though, is it? At about 5:15 on the day Mom and I receive a call.

--------------------------------
Hoochie Momma: (a little frantic) Hey Laura? Don't be surprised if you get there at 6:30 and no one else is there.

Laura: Okay...why's that?

Hoochie Momma: Well, you see, it was 5:00 and I noticed my mom not getting ready and they're supposed to be there at 6:00. I asked, "Mom, why aren't you getting ready," and she said, "Because I have to wait until your dad gets home from church."

Laura: Okay...

Hoochie Momma: So everyone at our house can't start getting ready until they leave.

Laura: OH!

Hoochie Momma: Yeah. So don't be worried if no one's there when you get there.

Laura: Okay.
--------------------------------

Mom and I were there roughly at 6:30. We notice a lot of other people going into the back entrance of the hall, but none of them are in our party. So who are all these people?

Soon Hoochie Momma, The Professor, Bubbles Momma, Princess Testiclees, Princess Pinoy and Cool Guy Al arrive with all the brood in tow. Everyone, with the exception of the Juggler Momma's branch of the family is there, including a lot of The Professor's family.

It turns out the Things and their parents were at a soccer game, and they're bookin' it up the highway because they have to stop at the house so they can change their clothes too. They should arrive by 7:00 though, no problem.

We sat in the back room until everyone showed up. Toddlers and children were quieted by the glow of a portable DVD player and the older kids were content with weenies and pop and beer. Soon the moment came when we had to line up and truck outside. I had no idea what was just said, but all the Knights were standing and clapping and I saw Grand Momma MG and The Patriarch beaming with pride. Princess Pinoy handed me his camera so he could be included in the pictures with the rest of his family.

Grand Momma MG was so surprised. It was aweseome. They were dumbfounded that it could be kept a secret from them for so long. I loved it!

We all sat down to watch the same thing happen to the Knight of the Year and his family. I bet he was just as surprised. Then we got to eat! The food was delicious and there was so much of it. Because I was in the "our guy got honored for something" group, we got to eat first! It was awesome!

--------------------------------
Grand Momma MG and Laura are eating.

Grand Momma MG: Those guys were so good. You know they even ordered pizza for dinner?

Laura: I know.

Grand Momma MG: And Cool Guy Al went over to his friend's house.

Laura: Umm-hmm.

Grand Momma MG: Juggler Momma even called and said she was sorry they couldn't come because of the Things' soccer game.

Laura: Oh, really?

Grand Momma MG: (Positively beaming) I was so surprised!
--------------------------------

The Patriarch was also really proud. He was laughing and smiling. He couldn't eat right away because so many people came up to congratulate him and compliment him on his fine family. I don't think I've ever seen them more proud.

After that, we had to listen to some speeches and watch more "Gee, You're Swell" awards handed out. Family trickled out as stealthily as they could, so they wouldn't disrupt the proceedings, but they did have kids to put to bed. Mom and I stayed until the bitter end though. It was okay, your typical awards assembly. I just wish they had more comfortable chairs.

All in all, it was a fine day and one I'll remember happily.

(Sorry about the delay in posting!)