Yesterday we celebrated my grandfather's 95th birthday with a small-ish surprise party. Just family, his friends from church and two of the priests from our parish. It was a wonderful time. He was very surprised and emotional.
We held it at Eddie's Corner Cafe...a sweet, nostalgic restaurant where my grandparents used to eat on a regular basis. They got to know the owner, Eddie Mode over the years. He has a wall of photographs of some of his regular customers. My grandparents' photo is front and center. Later in the day today, my grandfather said "I feel like my wife was here with me today" as he lovingly gazed up at their photo. I'm sure she was.
My good friend, Jane Summitt, created these incredible balloon hats for the kids and one very special one for my grandfather. He got a big kick out of it...so did everyone else. They were a very big hit.
Here's my grandfather as a young man...look at all that hair!!!!
and my grandparent's wedding picture from 1938...
He has lived an incredible life. He's so proud of his age. It's the first thing he will tell you when he meets you. He will say, "Hi, I'm Al Mercuri...i'm going to be 95." We told him that after today, he can tell people that he's going to be 96!
What a handsome young man! I would never guess he was 95. He looks great. Glad to see he is doing so well. Happy Birthday to your Grandpa!
Posted by: Missie | April 26, 2009 at 10:52 PM
You are very blessed. I loved my Grandpa so much and miss him. He was a character...as you might imagine about my family.
Posted by: JIll | April 27, 2009 at 08:08 AM
He is so handsome! Plus, that wedding picture is absolutely stunning!
Posted by: Erin Vale | April 27, 2009 at 08:49 AM
How wonderful. Please tell him Happy Birthday from us. Hope to see him on Saturday. Your dad looks just like him. Love you!!
Posted by: Sue | April 27, 2009 at 12:46 PM
He looks like he still knows how to have a good time! That's a great picture with you and your grandfather : )
Posted by: Jen | April 27, 2009 at 08:54 PM
WOW! He doesn't look 96 at all! What a wonderful time to get to spend with your family!
Posted by: cassie | April 28, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Wow! He looks so young...no wonder he wants to tell everyone his age. His wedding photograph is beautiful. It's like a work of art.
I love your site you are so talented!
Posted by: Lisa | December 03, 2009 at 09:56 PM