The husband finally “caught up” and we had a good-sized gathering for his big 4-0. I remember remarking to my mother-in-law, when I met the husband’s family and friends, that I admired her long lasting and deep rooted friendships from college, work and life. I told her that I wanted the same for us. She said that it seemed that we were well on our way.
When the husband turned 30, we had a joint party with one of his best friends from college who was also the best man in our wedding. Many things have changed since then including us moving to Chicago – about 850 miles from that party ten years ago. We have met so many awesome people in Chicago and have stayed in touch with many of our friends from NYC, work, life, running, racing, college, etc. When we put together the party list, we kept it local. Then, the best man and his wife called and said they’d love to come to celebrate with us again. We then convinced another good friend of theirs from college to fly in from Boston, too. Ten years and many miles separate us from the 30th party, but we celebrated together again. Awesome.
In addition to these special guests, we had many friends, new and old, who joined us to celebrate. This includes car racing friends and our amazing mechanic from the very far burbs, a friend who moved to Iowa City and folks who needed to get sitters or come from farther a field. The manager on the husband’s first consulting project almost 20 years ago lives here and came with her husband. My friend from high school, and now neighbor, and a college friend who lives in the neighborhood were here and so many runners who are now like family.
The husband is a great guy and loves “his party.” This is the one time of year where he is the center of attention – other than on the race track, I guess! Seeing his smile and excitement to have so many friends gathered warms my heart. He is the “quiet” one of the two of us. But when it’s his party he is totally “on.” It is something to see. If I had a dollar for everyone who remarked on how happy he seemed, I would be able to buy us a nice brunch today.
So, when I think back to that conversation years ago with my mother in law, I am so proud to say that she was right. We have made and kept so many wonderful friends. I am feeling so lucky and am definitely feeling the love.
Happy birthday, Neal – may this be your best decade yet!
Now, onto our next big milestone event this year… My 15th NYC Marathon on November 2. Stayed tuned!