This post is for April 12th, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE PETE!!!!!!!!!
MEMORY -
Upon many family celebrations, there was one that will forever go down in the books as the best party EVER! It was Pete's "60 and Sexy" SURPRISE Birthday Party. Mom and Dad had planned the biggest, most detailed event of all time! The theme of the day was Hollywood. We all played a part in the fun, Pete playing the most important ..... the sexy, rich and successful movie star, just one thing .... he didn't know it! LOL!!!
HIS ARRIVAL -
At the time Peter lived a few block away from us. Mom planned for a limo driver to pick him up at his house. Little did Pete know, he would only be riding in luxury for about 3 blocks! The Limo driver pulls up to a house with a red carpet in the drive way and tons of people standing around it! On a normal day, the people in the driveway were labeled as friends, but today they were paparazzi, groupies and media! Before Pete could get out of the car, the most "Pete obsessed" fan runs up to his side. He stands up out of the car with the most clueless of smiles upon his face. In a flattering manner, he signs his autograph for the fan (Jane, a good friend of the family) and continues his way to the red carpet. Amidst the camera flashes, and greedy fans wanting autographs, his body guard ( My husband dressed in a black suit and dark glasses) blocks the cameras and begins to guide him through the crowd. I remember hearing Pete in a playful tone asks my hubby " Okay, Erik what the hell is going on here? " Without leaving character, Erik responds with " Sir, we need to get you inside. NO PICTURES PLEASE!" Pete followed his way through the front door under a huge sign that says "60 and Sexy". The sound of classic movie tunes blast from the house. The smell of popcorn floats thru the kitchen. This was more than a birthday party, this was an event!!!!!!!
THE PICTURE SPOT -
As Pete took his seat in a borrowed directors chair, he noticed the people around him. Erik (his body guard) behind him, hands behind back holding a complete stoic facial expression the ENTIRE TIME. Jane ( the obsessed fan) sitting right next to him wearing a shirt with his picture on the front, trying to get his attention THE ENTIRE TIME. Me ( his personal waitress for the evening) asking him constantly "Anything I can get you Mr. DeLuca?" THE ENTIRE TIME Everyone wanted time with Pete. This was hilarious. Mom prepped everyone prior to the party with "act completely over the top, as if this was really a famous person!" Pete couldn't get a word out. After a good while of Pete posing for pictures, it came time for him to watch an important video
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIDEO -
Mom and Dad arranged a video with all of Pete's friends who couldn't make the party, sending their Birthday wishes. It was a joy to watch Peters reaction to this, he was quite touched.
PRESENTATION OF AWARD -
My parents continued to go above and beyond for the party by paying a nice dollar to have a huge "academy award"inspired trophy made for Pete. They titled it "The Lifetime Achievement Award". Pete couldn't believe the extent everyone went to make him feel like a star. The award was totally over the top but worth every dollar.
PETE'S SPEECH -
Then it came time for the star's speech, acceptance speech I guess you could call it. Pete began to ease into his role by giving a short but sweet speech thanking everyone for coming to his debut party. He even graced us with live performances of his famous songs " Rip Your Face To shreds","Proper Operation", "Pralines" and "Im a Fiji Islander"
This was by far the most memorable birthday I had ever been apart of!
APPLICATION -
I took some time today to look at Pete's Lifetime Achievement Award. It stands tall next to his couch upstairs in my loft. Next to it is a picture of me and him from that day at the party. We are both holding up MY autographed copy of his picture. One of my happiest memories with him.
REFLECTION -
April 12th will forever be the day a star was born .... Happy Birthday Uncle Pete!
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