Its a surprise mom. I cant tell you. Now come sit.

They sat at the table, confusion written all over their faces. I dont know if they forgot their anniversary or what but they had no idea what this was for or why we were doing it. Granted their anniversary is a week from now, and I would have waited till then, but I have a soccer final and I wouldnt have the time next weekend. I walked out to them, homemade menus in hand with an entertainment guide for the evening. Good evening ladies, my name is Angelica and I will be your waitress for the evening. Here are your menus and entertainment guide. I would leave you two to decide what you would like, but we have only one dish prepared, sorry. I smile at them.

Ok, well then we will have the special of the day.

Excellent choice madam.

When they were finished eating I brought dessert and I prepared for my debut. Mom, mom, this is your anniversary present from Aiden and I. We hope you enjoy it. I motioned for Aiden to press play on the stereo. The introduction for Through the years by Kenny Rogers started to play. Aunt Carmen edited the voice for me so it was accompaniment for me when I sang. Aiden helped with the projector as well, he is really smart for six. While I sang her flipped through some pictures we got from aunt Olivia and Grandpa, and those we found in albums. The pictures were of our parents as children, when they were together before I was born and then those of us as a family.

I cant remember when you werent there

When I didnt care for anyone but you

I swear weve been through everything there is

Cant imagine anything weve missed

Cant imagine anything the two of us cant do

Through the year, youve never let me down

You turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found

Ive found with you … through the years

Ive never been afraid, Ive loved the life weve made

And Im so glad Ive stayed, right here with you

Through the years

I cant remember what I used to do

Who I trusted whom, I listened to before

I swear youve taught me everything I know

Cant imagine needing someone so

But through the years it seems to me

I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad

I knew how much we had, Ive always been so glad

To be with you … through the years

Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away

As long as its okay, Ill stay with you

Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong

Together we were strong, I know that I belonged

Right here with you … through the years

I never had a doubt, wed always work things out

Ive learned what loves about, by loving you

Through the years.

I barely made it to the end of the song. When my moms started crying I just couldnt help my self. We hugged and cried and hugged. I love you mom. I love you guys so much. And I am sorry I shut you out when Melissa died.

Its ok baby. We love you too. Were glad you came back to us. We were scared that we would lose you too.

I was scared too.

Wait a second. Tina broke the hug. How do you know through the years, thats way way before your time.

I was digging through your stuff.

I loved the slide show. Bette said

Aiden and I worked hard on it.

It was beautiful.

Mom, I know stuff happened between you two before I was born, thats why I chose that song. I just thought it was perfect.

It was. It is perfect.

Happy anniversary mom.