It will be a short blog tonight. My sister is dropping by to wish my son and daughter happy belated birthdays. It’s been a busy summer and she was unable to be there on their special days. So I’m going to spend a few minutes visiting before I have to drive in for tonight’s radio program.
I mention in tonight’s radio show that both their birthdays were rather subdued affairs compared to the big production numbers we’ve hosted when they were smaller. If you’re a parent I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about. Invitations need to go out, a party place has to be reserved, transportation needs to be figured out and loot bags have to be purchased for all those in attendance. When I was small, the only one to receive a gift was the one celebrating the birthday. In this day and age, all the party-goers leave with a small token of appreciation for attending and celebrating the special day. It’s a great day for all who attend, and a tiring affair for the parents hosting the fun and games.
This past weekend, my son was pleased to spend his special day with a few of his hockey buddies. I’m relieved that things have calmed down somewhat. My daughter celebrates a major milestone birthday next year and we’re already talking plans for that special day. She certainly deserves a big bash since it’s been a quiet few years recently on her birthday.
Finances have to be a concern when planning these big parties. I’m sure they would like to invite every friend they’ve ever known, but it’s just not realistic. At the house parties my parents hosted, it was at least a possibility. My mother would bake a huge cake and there was enough homemade food to go around. Today hosting a huge party can be an expensive affair. Most parents keep the invitations to a manageable number, but my children have attended some in past years that were almost too large for the parents to handle.
There is always some friend who gets left out. In tonight’s radio show, there will be a knock at one door of these parties and a unexpected guest will be there with present in hand. It’s a true story and it raises some very important questions. Hindsight is 20/20. Knowing what you know now, as an adult looking back at your own parties in the past, I’m sure there were invitations you might now regret handing out, and others you wish you had included.
While you’re listening to this very poignant story that will conclude tonight’s program, I want you to remember your own celebrations. Looking back, is there one person you wish you could have invited or stayed in touch with? You’ll understand why I ask that question when you hear tonight’s radio show..
See you on the radio…
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Don Jackson
