Beatles, Birthdays, and A Hangin'

Clay and I took a trip last Sunday. It was an hour and fifteen minute trip (one way), but he felt the need to bring six Beatles cds. And that is fine, because I like the Beatles. I'm just not sure we needed all six of the cds. I will say that I've found myself humming a lot of Beatles in the last couple of days.

Our drive took us to Prairieville. Now, I know there a couple of you that think that is a lovely name for a town, but it really isn't. In your mind you are hearing "Prayer REE ville". That ain't how we natives say it. It is pronounced "Prayer VULL". You can always tell when you're talking to a newcomer when they tell you they live in "Prayer REE ville". You have to tell them that they don't live there. They live in "Prayer VULL" and just need to accept that fact.

But none of that has to do with the reason we were there. My Aunt Peggy was honored by her gigantic family with a surprise 75th birthday party. I asked her if she was really surprised and she said she knew something was up because too much stuff was disappearing from her house. The kids and grandkids had tried to sneak out photos and decorations that had to do with her roles as Mother and Grammy.

Aunt Peggy had 9 children. And they have had a slew of children. And now those children are having children. I get so tangled up when I start trying to figure out exactly who belongs where.

Her life has never been easy. She is only three years older than my dad. I imagine she was constantly trying to keep him out of trouble or getting in it with him. He told about a time they went into Mabank and watched a western and came home and decided to hang someone like they did in the movie. It was a huge blessing that the rope they chose was extra long, so when my dad shoved Aunt Peggy off the hay loft she hit the ground before the rope ran out. She also hit the ground right as their mother walked into the barn. Apparently she wasn't very happy with them.

She has buried two sons, a husband, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and friends. Her road has been very, very rough. Most people would have given up, self destructed, or become so bitter no one would want to be around them. Not Aunt Peggy. She is a light. She always has a smile and a helping hand. Her memory blows me away, but I guess if you are going to have that many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren you better sharp. Not only does she pour her life into her family and extended family (like we lucky nieces, nephews, cousins and such) but she has also worked hard in the nursing field forever and a day.

I don't know exactly which person put together the slide show for the party, but it just about put some of us on the floor. Summer kept laughing at the clothes, because she and her 3 sisters got their hand me downs and she was recognizing outfits. Dreama and I just about lost it when a picture came up of Shane with a almost day-glo orange spray-on-tan. And there was the picture of Wayne with his Fabio hair. There was a lot of laughter mixed with some tears as we watched time pass before us.

The family did a lovely job honoring her. She is a lovely lady with a lot of spunk and sweetness.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Peggy!