This past Saturday was the scheduled surprise party for my sister Crissy's boyfriend, Duncan. Duncan has been a part of our family for well over ten years. He is a really good guy and we all love him. So going to Cedar Rapids this weekend to help Duncan celebrate his fiftieth birthday was a trip we all looked forward to!
So there we all were, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The KCs has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up there were steak frys and fish frys, Christmas parties and so many wedding receptions. I remember going there one time for a Polish meal with a polka band and dancing with Jimmy Pavik. On the bulletin board there is a photo of my dad and Bill Derby from their younger days. Bill Derby, Don Fagan and my dad amongst others are where my KC memories begin. Going to steak frys, getting to sit up at the bar drinking Shirley Temples with extra cherries. Running amok in the big open area where the statue of Mary stands.
So there we were on Saturday night, the place smelled the same, grease and beer and good times. Crissy had already decorated the hall. She was going to bring Duncan in at five, we were all going to yell SURPRISE. Until then, we got to drink beer and catch up with old friends. My oldest brother, Bobby was in from New Zealand. I hadn't seen him for over five years. My sister, Sheila was at the door, filling everyone in on the plan. The keg was tapped, it was just after five. Duncan walks in sans Crissy. We all gave out a cheer of surprise, but it really was a bit of a let down...
Duncan was in a suit, odd. Duncan was in a suit and wasn't acting surprised at all, very odd. Wait a minute. Then he spoke. "Thanks for coming blah blah blah Bob? (meaning my dad) Bob, you need to go get Crissy out of the bar." Bar is through the door behind me. I turn. My dad says "What the hell is going on?" I look and all I can see of Crissy is a bouquet. Son of a bitch, is all I can say. To my right is Danny and my other brother, Dick. They cannot say anything because their chins are resting comfortably on the floor. Ashlyn comes toward me with tears in her eyes, then Hayley comes behind her with tears everywhere. Sheila is repeating "Oh My God! Oh My God!" And there is Crissy. Beaming, absolutely beaming. She wore black, which just might have been an homage to my grandmother who wore navy blue to her own wedding. She carried a small bouquet of red roses with white accents. On her head was my own mother's veil. The music, the wedding march from Sound of Music. Sheila and her husband, Rick stood up with them. It took all of three minutes and they were married. I've known Crissy for 42 years and I cannot recall a time when she ever looked more happy. It sprang forth from her, this smile, this glow. And Duncan, with his sheepish little grin looked just as pleased.
There is was, the surprise of the year! I cannot think of a more fitting way to wrap up this year than be present for the union of two of my favorite people. And it pleased me that they did it on their own terms. No outside pressure, no expectations from anyone. Just two people assembling as many of the people that they love in one place for good Mexican food, keg beer and a wedding.
We all spent the rest of the evening drinking beer, eating food and catching up with all these people that love Duncan and Crissy. My dad, kept in the dark for months wondered aloud if he was responsible for the bill. My oldest brother bragged that he knew all along. Dick and Danny were still trying to process what just happened. The nieces and nephews sang along to Meatloaf and Queen. And I added one more memory of the KC hall to my very happy heart.
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