For Enric, Forty Came Early

I started my planning while still in Australia.

This was an occasion I wanted to be a part of. My first born, the child who made me a mother, was turning 40. This milestone called for a celebration and the element of surprise. I was hoping he thought enough fuss was made over him after his machete incident, that he might think that turning 40 was going to be too much to be expecting a birthday party.

In an effort to really make it a surprise, I decided to have it early in October, instead of his actual birthday of the 21st. Also, it was the only weekend Stacey had open, and I am beginning to realize that her schedule dictates much of my family gatherings.

So I guess the secrets began in summer. I didn’t even tell the children about the party until about a week or a few days before the birthday party.
I confess right here though, I told whoppers of lies to get the ones who weren’t involved in the secrets to believe I was preparing for another big event. This way, I thought, since we live together, they would see the obvious, that I was cleaning, that I was preparing food, I was shopping, and getting things prepared and organized. This called for untruths for explanations for preparations. Turns out they weren’t unbelievable, as later when I told Silas what I was really doing, he said, “Wow Nana, you’re good.” I think I had his shock, mistrust, and admiration at the same time.

So what was my ruse?

I told Enric and the children that I was having a get-together for my online friends who all admired the music of Sam Miller. That didn’t seem odd to them, I was a big fan, and they saw me watching his online show each Monday and Friday. Sam is charismatic and popular, and he has a lot of friends and fans. But all are not based in Maryland, so I assured the family that only the Maryland people would be coming, with one exception, that a DJ from Scotland was coming too, as he was in town. Just added a touch of realism to my story as I remarked how much he was enjoying his trip to Maryland.

So a crowd of music fans would certainly come in various vehicles, right? This would “explain” all the cars in the driveway. Also, if there were any familiar cars in the driveway, that could be explained by the fact that I would invite relatives and friends too.

I felt I had done well with the secret planning part. My ruse, if you will.

Menu and Guest List

Now to make it a special day for my boy. I asked Miranda and also Miquel to help with the guest list. Miquel was in charge of inviting people from work – Shepherd Electric (that story could be a whole other blog), Miranda and I agreed on an allotment for how many church friends we could ask, and I took care of inviting family.

My son likes to eat too. I thought long and hard about a menu.

While guests waited for the moment to shout surprise, there was a slide show of Enric’s first 40 years playing on the TV. So many memories with family and friends.

The Moment Arrives

Enric seemed to be able to talk to everyone. He was the best honoree and was so thankful for everyone who came, and he well enjoyed the fellowship and food as did everyone else.

As a mama, I was so very thankful for everyone that came to help celebrate the first 40 years of my firstborn’s life. We had the most wonderful people there, The slideshow made me realize just how much he has squeezed into 40 years. He hasn’t always had it easy, but if it’s pure love from many, then he is certainly blessed.

Something I write to my children on their birthdays, but I make it personal just for them. Here is the one for Enric on his 40th.

Enric is 40 years old…
There are a million reasons I love him.
Can I tell you a mere 40 reasons he is so precious to me?

1. Enric was born one month after his due date.
2. 21 one hours of really tough labor, then he finally was born.
3. He was the hit of the hospital, everyone wanted to see the “Lopez Baby”
4. Enric took his first steps very early.
5. His first word was “Mama!” when he saw my image in the mirror.
6. Enric loved his morning cuddles, chocolate milk, and Sesame Street to start his day.
7. He loved to be read to, but he loved it so much he would ask for the same book over and over again, laughing at the same funny places each time, as if it was the first time I was telling the story.
8. Enric, usually shy and would cling to me in strange places, left my side and went in a full run to chase down Ernie from Sesame Street at a theme park.
9. Enric grew up learning there were three words for every thing: English, Spanish and Catalan.
10. He could spend hours just watching things move, shaking the baby oil bottle and seeing the bubbles go back down, watching ants outside…everything in life was a study.
11. He was caught reading his Bible often. (He didn’t even know how to read).
12. Enric went to private school at first, but in 4th grade we began homeschooling.
13. For said homeschool, Enric had to memorize and recite the entire chapter of Hebrews 11. (Thanks, A-Beka).
14. At only 4 years old, Enric took his first European trip to Holland, through Belguim and France, and visited Spain for a few weeks.
15. Enric had a red teddy that was a favorite stuffed toy. Miranda has cared for it, re-stuffed it, to have it for their children.
16. Enric learned to play tennis rather early in life and even appeared in the newspaper, a whole page spread of his photos, after catching the eye of the Gazette reporter.
17. He’s also a fantastic mountain biker, and even took his bike to Spain and rode in the Pyrenees.
18. When still little, it was not unusual for Enric to sing a few rousing choruses of “Amen” after grace at dinner time.
19. He grew up in a busy neighborhood where there was also someone to play with, and became a blur to his mama from the window, always running and playing games.
20. As a teen, Enric made the biggest life decision and accepted Jesus, and was baptized.
21. Another decision, which wasn’t made easy for him, was to attend Bible College.
22. Enric started the trend of all my children, to work at CVS.
23. Working at CVS helped Enric to pay for his college, before and during.
24. Enric worked in the kitchen at Northland Bible College.
25. Not sure how much studying he did that first year, but he became a master at Ping-pong and spinning pillows.
26. He was known as “Pillow Man”
27. Enric just sat down one day and decided to play piano. Without any piano lessons, he began to compose music.
28. He would run home from work and start playing something new because a song would be ‘in his head’ all day at work.
29. At Northland, Enric met Miranda, who I already loved too, because of how happy she made him.
30. Enric composed a song, “Miranda” which was played at their wedding, where they also celebrated their first kiss.
31. I can’t remember a time when Enric didn’t have to work hard for everything he had to do in life and he still does.
32. He has quiet dedication and determination in everything he does, through all kinds of obstacles, and, without complaining.
33. I still marvel at the quiet boy who was afraid to talk, now stands at a pulpit and preaches to a room full of people.
34. He is a loving father of 4, and I am reminded when he was asked by his Yaya what he wanted to grow up to be, and he answered, “A Papa.”
35. He works at an electrical supply company but also does welding on the side at home.
36. He was ordained and is now an elder at Bethel Baptist Church.
37. He had an accident with a machete and needed surgery for a severed muscle in his leg.
38. He is now sometimes referred to as “Machete Man”
39. I have seen him TRUST in God his entire life, for everything, Seen many answers to prayer. His quiet, steady, testimony is not missed by those who know him.
40. He has a loving Mama, who treasures so many memories like these and more, in her heart. He’s always been my precious angel.