Eighty Years of Love: A Surprise Celebration for the Man Who Shaped Us

Last weekend, I had the privilege of helping pull off a monumental surprise for someone very near and dear to my heart—my grandfather. He turned 80, and there was no way we were going to let such a milestone pass without celebrating it in a way that truly honored him.

Though my grandparents live with my parents in Waxahachie, we also have family in California and Colorado. We orchestrated a plan to bring everyone together, ensuring the surprise was as elaborate and exciting as possible.

The magic began Friday morning when my uncle—who had secretly snuck in the home the night before with his wife and daughters—joined my grandparents for coffee. My grandpa, whom we call Papa, and my grandmother, Nan, our matriarch and his wife of nearly 60 years, were completely stunned. They had woken up expecting to spend the day pulling weeds, unaware that something much more special had been meticulously planned for them. Just a bit later, my cousins—both of whom are heading off to college this year—strolled down the stairs, prompting yet another joyful round of tears and embraces.

The surprises didn’t stop there. Later, the group made their way to Dallas for lunch with my dad, walking into the restaurant to find my little family of 5 waiting—my husband, our two daughters (ages five and three), and our six-month-old son, whom we named after Papa. SURPRISE!

Overwhelmed with emotion, Papa quietly whispered to my mom that if only my brother and his wife were there, the whole family would be complete. Just as he finished his thought, the restaurant doors opened once more, and in walked my brother and his wife—completing the surprise in the most perfect way possible.

Laughter, tears, and hugs came in waves as the surprises unfolded like the pages of a cherished story. The final addition made the day feel whole, complete—the entire family gathered around one table, celebrating the man who not only brought us together but was the very reason we exist. We ate, we drank, and we reveled in the presence of the man who has shaped our lives in countless ways.

The celebration continued at Another Round mini golf, where we spent the afternoon playing games and making memories. By evening, we were all back at my parents’ home, simply enjoying the warmth of being under one roof. For a man like Papa, there is no greater gift than the chance to sit back, listen, and take in the triumphs and joys of the family he loves so dearly.

Even at 80, both Papa and Nan remain forces to be reckoned with. They are as active as ever—despite our occasional wish that they might slow down just a bit. Nan, who has spent the last ten years battling multiple myeloma, continues to inspire us with her strength. And Papa by her side through it all, is sharp as ever and remains the life and business guru who has guided each of us through our biggest decisions. Every person in that room could share many stories about how this man has shaped their life in a positive way. He makes us better just by being in his presence. Looking around at a family that, in one way or another, is living their dreams and succeeding, it’s easy to see the common denominator.

With all 15 of us gathered, an extended family photoshoot felt not just appropriate but necessary. It had been nearly five years since we were all together, and we weren’t going to let this moment pass without capturing it. We had all packed coordinating outfits and pulled off one final surprise. While photoshoots can be known as stressful, this felt like anything but; it was a celebration.

For an hour, we put away our phones, set aside distractions, and simply existed together. An hour of genuine smiles. Of laughter and hugs. Of reminiscing about how much has changed, while also looking ahead with excitement. We wrapped our arms around one another and celebrated the beauty of 80 years—while simultaneously grounding ourselves in the present and soaking in the moment. It was a weekend we will cherish for a lifetime.

Papa has been my guiding light, not only in life but especially in my business endeavors. Each one of our success stories could have a chapter dedicated to this incredible man, and my book could feature him nearly every step of the way. His lessons, encouragement, and belief in us have built a foundation that will continue to guide generations to come.

And these photos? They are more than just images. They are proof of a life well-lived, a legacy of love, and a moment in time that we will cherish forever. One day, when we look back, these photographs will remind us of the laughter, the love, and the incredible man who brought us all together.

So when you read this, Papa, because I know you will -- I hope you never forget the impact you have left on the families you created. We are who we are because of you, and we will carry your love forward in everything we do.

Signing off with all my love and gratitude, and in the only fitting way I know—a slogan born from a brainstorming session with none other than the great man himself:

For photos that MATTER