Eighteen years ago my sister, Karleen and her partner, Bob invited us to meet Peter’s son and daughter at their tennis club, a few months before Peter and my mom were to be married. She said to dress up since the club had a dress code. We arrived and noticed that there was a large party in the next room. I went to sit in the dining area to wait for our party to arrive. My mom started to walk toward the larger party. I said,

 “Mom! That party is not for us!” 

She immediately answered that Karleen had told her that  we were to go there. I was sure it was a private party. I didn’t want to go in. When mom opened the door I saw my old high school History teacher who just happens to be Bob’s brother. Then I saw Karleen’s friend. I asked Murray (Bob’s brother) what was going on. He answered,

“This is the surprise!” I looked puzzled so he asked,

“Didn’t you get your invitation to the surprise?” Now I was very confused.

Just then we heard a Scottish Piper playing the bagpipes coming toward our hall. In walked my niece dressed in a lovely gown followed by Karleen in a lovely white gown and Bob in a tux. They walked through the crowd and proceeded to get married. I was so shocked and happy I burst into tears and cried through the entire ceremony. We had a wonderful dinner and reception afterward.

A few months later my mom married Peter, as was planned. Sadly Bob died of cancer this past August, just a few months before Peter died last Saturday at the age of 83. They came into our family a few months apart and left it a few months apart. Today is Peter’s funeral. 

You can read more of this story here.