Patti sent me following story and photos to add to the family website: (Thanks, Patti, for making this an easy project for me.)
On April 22nd, Bob turned 74 and we had a quiet celebration. However one week later, his daughter Patti and husband Dennis, hosted a "Surprise" BBQ Party at their house. He's always giving so unselfishly to others that it was time to do something for him. When the call came, there was no hesitation. Family and friends traveled near and far to share in this special day. And - the weather couldn't have been better.
We sent Bob to Michigan City, Indiana, to get him out of the house. He drove his Aunt Kathryn (who is a young 84 years old) back to Homer Glen, IL for the party. She was worried she would slip and blow the "surprise", but held on to the bitter end with the "secret". Nice job, Kathryn!
Wow, the Support from the Calendo's (Bob's sister, Joyce, has since passed) side of the family) was simply outstanding. Most live at the north end of the state and so they had at least a 2-hour drive. Thank you very much. Joyce's husband, Mike came with homemade raviolis and "gravy" in hand. Also in attendance were Debbie's (their oldest child, sinced passed away) kids; Jenny, Phillip and Dominic. Bob's niece, Bridget came in from the "BIG CITY"-CHICAGO. His nephew Joe and wife Tanya, Mike and wife Karen along with their kids, Mike and Niccole drove from the northern suburbs. This was nephew Vince and wife Beth along with their children, Rebecca, Natalie and Brittany's first trip to Patti and Dennis' house. The kids spent the afternoon playing a rousing game of basketball since the weather was so gorgeous.
The food, the food, the food. There was a lot of it! Dennis started the smoker at 6:30 am and put the 9 pounds of beef brisket on soon after. It slow cooked until 5:00 PM....tasty. We also enjoyed 2 rotisserie chickens off the Weber, along with countless salads, brought by the guests.
Bob sat there in shock as more and more family poured in the door. On Pres's side of the family, cousin Beth came along with her daughter, Elizabeth and her 2 children, Tyra and newborn baby, Audrey. Everyone was in awe. Even some of his musician buddies made the trip: Dick and Gloria Sarlo, and Frank and Virginia Bruno. They got along great with life long friends of the family, Harold and Linda. After eating Bob opened his gifts (a lot of gift certificates to bookstores) and watched a family video. When Patti was born, Bob rented a movie camera along to record family get togethers. He later transferred them to video. For the first time, we all got to watch our 1958-1963 family holidays, together.
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| Cousin Beth and Aunt Kathryn are sharing a kiss, "Hello"! |
| Elizabeth (Beth's daughter) and baby, Audrey, are happy to see Aunt Kathryn as Arno John feasts. |
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| "The Four Amigos", Dennis (Patti's husband), Joe Calendo, Uncle Bob, and Mike Calendo. (Joe and Mike are Joyce's sons. Joyce was Uncle Pres's sister.) |
| Bob reads a touching card as his buddies, Frank Bruno and Dick Sarlo, look on. |
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Arno John, Virginia Bruno, Uncle Mike Calendo, Gloria Sarlo, Aunt Kathryn, Dick Sarlo, Frank Bruno:
Bob points his "Shame-on-you" finger at his Aunt Kathryn for knowing about this party - and keeping it a secret.
The "Calendo Clan"
| Misha puts a "Pick" on Dominic as he drives to the basket! Misha, the dog, plays basketball with young Mike and Phil, Joe, and Dominic. |
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| Patti and Dennis's dog, Misha, snoozes at the end of a long day. |
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Patti and her dad! Patti writes "...taken at the very end of the party. Do I look tired or what?", and adds:
"Happy Birthday, Dad! I Love You"
And from me: "Uncle Bob, Thanks for the sweet "Thank You" note you sent me. Now you know how I knew you were having a Birthday! That my card happened to arrive on your "actual" birthday was pure karma! I know you had a wonderful Birthday! May you have many, many, many, .... more! |