Written by Rowonna McNeely – On Saturday, Kiera, Mom and I drove down to spend the day at the Stephenville waterpark. We always try to take Kiera down to their waterpark once during the summer.
Actually, we generally make a day trip out of it. We usually stop in and see my Gram, who also lives in Stephenville. This year, though, it was a special trip. We were meeting with several other family members that night to take Gram out and celebrate her 90th birthday.
Gram, also known as Nellie Sublett, is an amazing woman. I remember when I was small, maybe Kiera’s age; I would watch her as she worked her nurse station. I can still picture her in her white nursing uniform and the white nurse cap.
I can picture her apartment at the time and even remember the shiny Christmas tree that would decorate her apartment during Christmas season. Gram always had a pullout couch for us to sleep on when we stayed the night.
She also loved to make sure her family was well fed when we came to visit. Dinner was always a huge meal and there was always a snack or dessert to be found.
Kiera was excited to celebrate Gram’s birthday. As soon as we made it to Stephenville, before making our way to Splashville, we stopped so Kiera could pick out a birthday gift for Gram. Her choice was a brightly colored, ceramic toucan bird. I didn’t hesitate to buy it, knowing that no matter what Kiera picked out, Gram would love it.
After enjoying our time at Splashville, we made our way to Gram’s to change clothes and get ready for dinner. Gram had picked a local restaurant and my aunt had made reservations for the 15 of us.
Knowing it would take a few minutes for all of us to get loaded, we made sure to leave early enough to give us enough time to make it to the restaurant.
As we unloaded at the restaurant, several family members went on in and a couple of us stayed back to help Gram get inside. Once inside, we were seated in the waiting area. Thinking that our table wasn’t ready, we stood and visited for a couple of minutes.
After a few minutes had past, we found out why we were still hanging out in the waiting area, a group had arrived a few minutes ahead of us and instead of holding our table, they gave it away. I was shocked. We weren’t late. In fact, we arrived about five minutes before we were supposed to be there.
My brother, thankfully, took matters into his own hands and called one of his favorite restaurants in town, Ruby’s Texas Bistro. I listened to his side of the conversation as he spoke to the owner. “Yes ma’am, we are celebrating my Grandmother’s birthday and the restaurant we brought her to gave our table away. Would you have room for about 15 of us?” he asked.
She replied in the affirmative and he continued on. “Thank you. It’s her 90th birthday. Please treat her like a queen.”
Excited to have a new plan, we all loaded up and headed off to Ruby’s. Once there, Ruby herself greeted Gram at the door and wished her a happy birthday. Ruby and her staff had already placed small reserved signs on tables for us and we were quickly seated.
It was a great time from that moment on. We laughed, ate amazing food and made some fun memories. When Kiera gave Gram her gift, Gram gushed over the toucan as if it was priceless.
But, the best moment, in my opinion, was when we all gathered around and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her. Everyone on our side of the restaurant chimed in singing and clapping. Gram’s face lit up and her eyes twinkled as we sang and then blew on the noisemakers. That’s something that I will treasure, the smile on her face and her twinkling eyes as she took in all the people that had come together to celebrate her.
It was a very special night that was thankfully saved by the owner and great staff at Ruby’s Texas Bistro. I’m grateful that Kiera was able to celebrate her Great-Grandmother’s birthday and that as a family we could relax and enjoy our time with a wonderful woman.
Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our new blog page at www.lifea2k.netor drop us a line at lifea2k@yahoo.com.
Rowonna McNeely
Graphic Designer - Mommy to Kiera
Rowonna McNeely works with her husband, Aaron, at Willie’s T’s in the Art Department, regularly volunteers in the community, and has her hands full with her daughter, Kiera, along with two dogs and one cat.
Rowonna is a graduate of May High School (Go Tigers!) and grew up on a dairy farm. She enjoys reading, creating, swimming, and planning events. She’s also a bit of a klutz.
