Kevin Sr.'s Birthday

It was Saturday, January 19, 2002. At Steve's household, all of the kids were sitting at the table eating breakfast along with Anna. Kevin Sr. was outside shoveling the snow that was on the driveway.

"Kids, I'm sure you all know what day it is tomorrow.", said Anna. "January 20? Yeah, I kind of already knew that.", said Kevin. "No, that's not what mom is talking about you, idiot!", said Steve.

"Then what in the world could she possibly be talking about? Oh. Oh! It slipped my mind!", said Kevin. "Yep! Your father will be turning 37 years young tomorrow. And I've arranged for all of our family and friends to come to the surprise birthday party we have planned for your father tomorrow.", said Anna. "Sounds cool. Is the TV gonna be tuned to playoff football tomorrow?", said Steve.

"You know it.", said Anna. "Well, I guess I and Steve will be in the living room tomorrow.", said Kevin. "But your father doesn't know anything about this surprise birthday party. Therefore, it's important to keep this secret from your father. Understood?", said Anna.

"Understood.", said Kevin. "Understood.", said Steve. "And that includes you too Cody and Matthew. Are you gonna be able to keep this secret birthday party nothing more than a secret until we surprise your father?", said Anna.

Then Cody and Matthew just nodded their heads in agreement. "Good.", said Anna. "And also, I invited Steve's friend and his mom over as well.", said Anna.

"I'll get on the phone later on today and see if any of our other friends are interested in coming over.", said Steve. Then Anna just held two thumbs up. Then Kevin Sr. came into the house.

After that, Anna signaled to the boys to be quiet while Kevin Sr. wasn't looking. Kevin Sr. hung up his coat. Then he put away his boots, gloves, scarf, and cap.

After that, he went to go use the restroom. "So, mom, give us more details about this party.", said Kevin. Then Steve hit Kevin in the arm.

"Dude, he can hear just about everything we say when we're not whispering.", Steve whispered to Kevin. "Oh, well, never mind what I said.", said Kevin. Then Kevin Sr. was finished using the bathroom.

***

It was now the morning of Sunday, January 20, 2002. Kevin Sr. woke up after his wife did. His wife wasn't in the master bedroom at that time.

He yawned, stretched, and got out of bed at about 11 in the morning. "Another day, another rotation around the sun.", Kevin Sr. said to himself while referencing his birthday. Then Kevin Sr. left the master bedroom to go get the mail.

Once Kevin Sr. entered the living room, his whole family was there and said "Surprise!". Then his whole family sung a Happy Birthday song to him. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday Kevin Sr. Happy birthday to you.", the whole family sang.

Then Kevin Sr. looked at all the birthday party decorations all around him. "Wow! This is wonderful! Thank you all so much! You don't how much this means to me!", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, and the surprise birthday party was my idea.", said Anna.

"I haven't had a surprise birthday party ever since my 18th birthday. But that was before I became the luckiest guy in the world thanks to this hot fox over here.", said Kevin Sr. "Thank you, honey. That is so sweet of you.", said Anna. Then Kevin Sr. and Anna kissed.

"I just love my family!", said Kevin Sr. "We love you too dad!", said Kevin. "So, none of the other people attending this party made it yet?", said Kevin Sr.

"Not yet. They should start arriving at about Noon or 1:00.", said Anna. "Well, it looks like I'm gonna have an awesome birthday this year.", said Kevin Sr. "And I know how much you love football, so I'm gonna put the TV on the game throughout this party.", said Anna.

"Thanks, but I'll put the TV on the game myself.", said Kevin Sr. "Whatever you say, sweetie. It's your day today. So, whatever you want is fine with all of us.", said Anna. "We'll get to see which of the remaining teams will make it to the conference championship round when dad's birthday is all said and done.", said Steve. "Yeah, it's dad's birthday and playoff football at the same time. That makes for an excellent day.", said Kevin. Then Kevin Sr. turned on the TV and tuned into the station where the first NFL playoff game of the day was about to start.

It was now noon EST. There was a knock heard on Steve's door. Kevin Sr. got up from the couch to answer the door before his wife stopped him.

"Hold it right there mister! Just for today only, I'll be answering the door. You just sit there, relax, and enjoy your special day.", said Anna. Then Kevin Sr. sat back down while Anna answered the door. "Who is it?!", said Anna.

"It's me and Jamal!", my mom said. Then Anna opened the door and let us in. "Hey, Brenda! How have you been?!", said Anna.

"I've been okay. And happy birthday to you Kevin!", my mom said. "Thanks, Brenda. I'm so thankful I'm still in my thirties.", said Kevin Sr. "Happy birthday Steve's dad. Your my best friend's dad, so I wouldn't miss this party for almost anything.", I said. "Thanks a lot, Jamal.", said Kevin Sr.

"Honey, you wanna open up your first gift of the day?", said Anna. "Oh, what the heck? Sure.", said Kevin Sr. Then Anna grabbed one of the presents and handed it to her husband.

"This one is from your eldest son whom you've decided to name after yourself about ten years ago.", said Anna. Kevin Sr. opened the present. "A new snowblower.", said Kevin Sr.

"Yep. Me and everybody else here knows how much you dislike the winter snow in the driveway whenever you drive to and from work. So, I got you a new snowblower with mom's help.", said Kevin. "You're truly a good son. Thank you, Kevin. And yeah, you're right. You just don't know how much that snow gets on my nerves.", said Kevin Sr. "I'm glad I could offer my assistance in these rough winter weather conditions with a birthday present.", said Kevin.

"Now, I'll open the rest of my presents later. Steve, Kevin, why don't you guys sit next to me on the couch so we can all watch some playoff football.", said Kevin Sr. "Sounds good to me.", said Kevin. "I'm in.", said Steve. Then they both sat on the couch next to their dad.

Then the first NFL playoff game of the day finally started at about 12:30 pm EST. Kevin Sr., Kevin, and Steve were sitting on the couch and watching the start of the game from kickoff. I sat on the floor and watched the game since I had nothing else to do at the time.

My mom and Anna were standing and drinking some of the punch that was being served at the party. "So, I was thinking that maybe we should hang out sometime. Just us mothers. I'm always open to making new friends.", said Anna. "You know what? I'd actually like that. We can be friends just like our boys.", said, my mom. "Yep. You've got a handsome young man. Whichever girl or woman he meets in the future is gonna be the luckiest female in the world.", said Anna. "Thanks. I can say the same thing for your son as well talking about Steve.", said, my mom.

"Maybe we can hang out sometime next week?", said Anna. "I'll let you know by the end of the week what a reasonable time is.", said, my mom. "Ok, great. I'll be waiting.", said Anna.

"You know, my son's birthday is in the winter too.", said, my mom. "Oh, really?", said Anna. "Yeah. He was born on February 5, so his birthday isn't very far away.", said, my mom.

"Well, when that date comes up, tell him that all of us wish him a happy birthday.", said Anna. "Ok, I will.", said, my mom. Then another knock was heard at the door.

"I'll get it.", said Kevin Sr. as he was about to get up from the couch. "Oh yeah, that's right! It's my freaking birthday!", said Kevin Sr. as he sat back down on the couch. Then Anna proceeded to go answer the door.

"Who is it?!", said Anna. "We're Steve's friends from school.", said Brad who was with Nathan. Then Anna opened the door for both of them.

Then they both came in and stomped the snow off of their boots. Then they both hung up their winter gear. "There's the game Brad.", said Nathan. "Alright, playoff football!", said Brad.

Then both Nathan and Brad sat on the floor along with me. "Hey, Jamal.", said Nathan. "Hey, man.", said Brad. "Hey, guys.", I said.

"Oh, and happy birthday big fella.", said Brad. "Happy B-Day big guy.", said Nathan. "Thanks. I'm just grateful to have another year to spend on this planet.", said Kevin Sr.

"So, the first playoff game of the day is an AFC matchup.", said Nathan. "Yep.", said Steve. "And then the last playoff game of the day and the divisional round will be an NFC matchup before the conference championship round.", said Kevin.

Then more folks knocked on Steve's door. Anna answered the door. "Who is it?!", said Anna.

"It's a few of Steve's female friends who are not his girlfriend.", said Amanda who was with Ariana. Then Anna opened the door to let them in. They came in and stomped the snow off of their boots.

Then they hung up their winter gear. Amanda and Ariana both found somewhere to sit and sat down to watch whatever was on TV. "We just wanted to say happy birthday to you Steve's dad.", said, Ariana. "Yeah, and we wish you nothing but more years to come.", said Amanda.

"Thanks, ladies. I appreciate it.", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, you're so welcome, sir.", said, Ariana. And then Kevin Sr.'s birthday continued.

At the end of the 1st quarter, Kevin Sr. wanted to open another one of his birthday presents. "Alright, it's the end of the 1st quarter. I feel like opening another one of my birthday gifts.", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, here I go with the second birthday gift of the day.", said Anna as she was getting another one of his birthday gifts.

She handed it to Kevin Sr. Then he opened it. "It's something Matthew drew up. In the picture, you, I, and the whole family are taking a random stroll on a bright sunny day.", said Anna.

Kevin Sr. looked at it. "Happy birthday daddy! I love you!", said, Matthew. "I love you too Matthew. This is a great drawing you drew up son. I love it son. Thank you so much.", said Kevin Sr.

"Alright, the 2nd quarter is starting. So, I'm gonna hold off opening any more gifts until halftime.", said Kevin Sr. Then the 2nd quarter started on the current NFL playoff game. And Kevin Sr.'s birthday continued.

By halftime of the first playoff game of the day, there were a countless number of people who arrived at the party. I guess you could say it was officially a birthday party from that point on. "Alright, it's about time for my next gift.", said Kevin Sr.

"Alright, I'll give you Steve's gift.", said Anna. Then Anna proceeded to go and hand her husband another one of his birthday gifts. Then Kevin Sr. opened that gift.

"It's a lawnmower.", said Kevin Sr. "Yep. It's just a little something-something to help you get better prepared before springtime rolls around. Happy birthday, dad. You truly deserve it.", said Steve. "Thank you so much, son.", said Kevin Sr.

Then the 3rd quarter started. "Dude, the Ravens are down 20-3 against the Steelers. There's no way they can come back from this unless they pull out a miracle comeback.", said Kevin. "Well, we'll see son. I don't think Baltimore has the guts to come back from this deficit. 17 points sure is a long hill to climb, but we'll see.", said Kevin Sr.

Then the game continued. Then the game concluded. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens 27-10. And Pittsburgh moved on to the AFC Championship game.

"I guess I was right about Baltimore all along. And on my birthday too.", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, so they move on to the AFC title game next Sunday. Let's change the channel to the last game of this divisional round.", said Steve. Then Kevin changed the channel to that game.

Then it was about 4 in the afternoon. The second game of the day started. And Kevin Sr., Kevin, and Steve all had their eyes glued to the television.

It was the end of the 1st quarter. "Gift unwrapping time!", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, honey. Here's your birthday gift from Cody.", said Anna as she was getting the gift.

Then Anna handed the gift over to her husband. Kevin Sr. unwrapped the gifts. "Two Red Wings tickets? Thanks so much, Cody! I love the gift. Now I just have to decide who is the other person I'm going to take with me.", said Kevin Sr.

"Me! No Me! No Me! No, me! Pick me!", Steve and Kevin said at the same time. Then it was pure silence between Steve and Kevin. "Me!", said Steve and Kevin at the same time again.

Then the 2nd quarter started. And the game continued. And so did the birthday of Steve's dad.

Then it was halftime in that game. "You enjoying your birthday so far honey?", said Anna. "Of course I am. You and the boys did a wonderful job arranging for all of this to happen.", said Kevin Sr.

"Well, I'm glad you're having a wonderful birthday so far. Now I think it's time I show you my gift.", said Anna. "Well, if you think it's time, then I think it's time. What have you got for me?", said Kevin Sr. Then Anna was getting the gift, and she handed it over to Kevin Sr.

"It's a birthday card?", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, read what it says.", said Anna. Then Kevin Sr. proceeded to read it.

He started reading the front message out loud. "Light of my life.", Kevin Sr. said as he was reading out loud. Then he looked inside and read the inside message out loud.

"Your warm, steady love makes everything brighter. You give it. You live it. I love it.

Happy birthday.", said Kevin Sr. as he read that message out loud as well. "And I love you.", said Kevin Sr. "Aw, I love you too.", said Anna. Then Kevin Sr. and Anna kissed again.

"I'll see you when it's time to blow out your candles sweetie pie.", said Anna. "I'll be here waiting.", said Kevin Sr. Then Anna left the living room with a smile on her face.

Then the 2nd half of the 2nd NFL playoff game of the day started. When the 2nd half of that game elapsed, so did the game itself. The St. Louis Rams beat the Green Bay Packers 45-17, and the Rams advanced to the NFC championship game that was scheduled for the following Sunday.

It was about 7:30 in the evening. All of us had dinner at the party, and it was almost time for Kevin Sr. to blow out the candles. "Kevin, honey, it's almost time for you to blow out your candles on your big day!", said Anna.

Then Kevin Sr. got up to blow out his candles, so we could all have some cake and ice cream. Kevin Sr. walked up to the dining room table where the birthday cake was located. The birthday cake was chocolate, and it wasn't the only cake there since there were quite many people at that birthday party.

There were just five candles on the birthday cake. "Why are there only five candles? Is this 2002 or 1970?", said Kevin Sr. "The five candles represent every decade you've experienced in your life. The sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and the two-thousands.", said Anna.

"That's a pretty smart idea. Can you do this for my next birthday mom?", said Steve. "Are you sure about that Steve? You'd only have two candles.", said Kevin. "Of course I will Steve.", said Anna.

"Or you could have eight candles like normal kids.", I said. "Yeah Jamal, but one candle would represent an entire decade this time instead of a year. That's ten times more value. Less is more.", said Steve. "Okay, I'm going to go get the whole everybody ready, so you can blow out your candles dear.", said Anna. "You go ahead and do that.", said Kevin Sr.

Anna pulled out a whistle and blew it. That managed to get the attention of the entire party. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, it is just about that time for my husband to blow out his candles on his special day.", said Anna.

"The five candles on this cake represent each decade my husband has experienced in life. The decade of The Beatles, Pop Rocks, MTV, Home Improvement, and the start of the 21st century. Happy birthday to my sweet, loving, caring, handsome, and overall wonderful husband Kevin Sr. Let's all sing happy birthday together. 3...2...1...", said Anna. Then just about everybody at that party sang happy birthday to Steve's dad. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday Kevin Sr. Happy birthday to you. How old are you? How old are you? Happy birthday to you.", the majority of the party sang.

"Time to blow out your candles dad.", said Steve. Then Kevin Sr. took a deep breath and blew all five candles out with no problem whatsoever. Then just about the whole party cheered and clapped their hands. Then afterward, we all got treated to some cake and ice cream.

After we all got done with our dessert, Steve's mom had yet another announcement to make. Anna blew her whistle again, and it got the whole party's attention. "Now Two Seconds To Detroit is gonna perform for all of us again just like they did back on New Years' Eve of last year.", said Anna.

"So, let's all head down to the basement and see what special songs they've got for us this time.", said Anna. Then everybody proceeded to head down to the basement including myself self to record. Then all of us arrived in the apartment complex basement.

All the band members occupied their usual positions, and I went into my usual position to record. "Alright, we're gonna play some hits from my dad's childhood. Therefore, we are gonna perform some songs from the sixties, seventies, and early eighties. This is for you dad!", said Steve. Then the whole band got ready and started performing.

The first song they started performing was Help by The Beatles. They were playing that song with ease, and the whole party enjoyed it. And the whole band enjoyed playing that song from such a legendary rock group from the 20th century.

Then they finished performing that song. And the whole party cheered them on and applauded after that performance. "Alright people, this next song was when dad first became an adolescent. Here's Hanging On The Telephone by Blondie.", said Steve.

Then the band performed that song with ease as well. The whole party was enjoying what they were listening to so far. I know I enjoyed listening to it while filming the whole moment.

Then the band finished performing that song. The whole party cheered and applauded again. "This next song originates from the early eighties when my dad graduated from high school. It was a true classic. 3...2...1...", said Steve.

Then the band started performing True by Spandau Ballet. "Hey, this was my song back in the day.", said Kevin Sr. with a smile on his face. The band was playing that song with ease as well, and loving every minute of it. And the whole party was loving every minute of it with myself included.

Then the band finished playing that song, and the party showed its love for Two Seconds To Detroit. They would keep playing hit songs from Steve's dad's childhood for about another 45 minutes. Then after that, it was time for all of us to head back upstairs to Steve's place.

The whole gang, myself included, were talking with one another. Then Steve's dad came up to us along with Steve's mom. We all paused to listen to what he was going to say.

"Hey, gang! I just wanted to say thanks. And that you gave an awesome tribute to me and my childhood. Those songs brought back some nostalgic childhood memories.", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, I enjoyed it too. It touched some of my childhood as well. The nostalgia was through the roof down there. Great job to you all!", said Anna. "Well, what can we say? We just love what we do.", said Amanda.

"It sure has been a long party. When is it going to end?", said Kevin. "At about Midnight. That's when my birthday is officially over.", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, but it's not over yet.", said Steve.

"Yeah, not for us adults. But you kids got school tomorrow. So, all of you better be thinking about going to bed soon.", said Anna. "Now come on baby. Let's enjoy the rest of this party before it's Monday again.", said Anna. Then both of Steve's parents went to enjoy the rest of Steve's dad's birthday party. "You mean Manic Monday mom?!", said Kevin.

"Isn't that song after dad's childhood?", said Steve. "I don't know. It sounds like the eighties, but it might be the early eighties. Who knows?", said Kevin. "So, hey, which four teams made it to the conference championship round in the National Football League.", said Nathan.

"The Patriots and Steelers go head to head in the AFC title game.", said Kevin. "And the St. Louis Rams battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game.", said Steve. "Sounds like it's gonna be an awesome conference championship round this year.", said Brad.

"So, Steve's household has already thrown two parties that we've both performed at. When might your family throw the next one Steve?", said, Ariana. "I'm guessing it's Super Bowl XXXVI.", said Steve. "We'll keep you guys updated.", said Kevin.

Then as more time elapsed, the clock struck Midnight. It was time for every guest at the party to go home. Anna got the whole party's attention again and made the final announcement of the party. "Alright, the hour hand and minute hand are both pointing straight up to the number twelve. That means it's about that time for everybody to go home. I just wanna thank everybody for coming. It's been a wonderful time and a wonderful birthday party.", said Anna.

After she made that announcement, everybody started heading for the front door. Then as Amanda left, she turned back to Steve's parents to say something. "You know, you're gonna need to start paying us cold hard cash if we're gonna be performing at your parties regularly.", said Amanda.

"We'll put it into consideration.", said Kevin Sr. "Okay, here's a quarter! Bye!", said Anna as she put the quarter in Amanda's hand and waved goodbye to her. Then Amanda just looked at the quarter in her hand and shook her head in disappointment. Then Amanda left along with the rest of the other guests that included me.

Then after the last party guests left, Anna closed and locked the front door. "Well, I guess me and Kevin are gonna go off to bed. I'd love to say happy birthday to you one more time dad, but it's already past Midnight. So, happy belated birthday? I guess?", said Steve. "What do you wanna on your next birthday dad?", said Kevin.

"I was thinking maybe we could all attend an NFL playoff game together as a family if my birthday lands on the weekend again in 2003.", said Kevin Sr. "Yeah, that sounds kind of expensive.", said Anna. "Oh, yeah! You're right! Never mind. Forget I said anything.", said Kevin Sr.

"Goodnight boys!", said Anna. "Yeah, sleep will certainly 'help' you get ahead in school.", said Kevin Sr. "Goodnight.", said Steve. "Goodnight guys.", said Kevin. Then Steve and Kevin went off to their room.

"I'll see you in the bedroom. It's been a long day. And I'm really tired.", said Anna. "Alright, Anna, I'll see you there. I'm a little worn out myself.", said Kevin Sr. Then Anna left the living room to go to the master bedroom.

Then Dexter walked up to Kevin Sr. with a big smile on his face and his tongue hanging out at the same time. "What are you doing up this late little buddy?", said Kevin Sr. Then Dexter went over to the doggy bowl, and pushed it over towards Kevin Sr.

"Oh, right! We forgot to feed you! We've gotten so distracted by my party that we forgot to give you your dog food.", said Kevin Sr. "Hold on buddy!", said Kevin Sr. Then Kevin Sr. went to the kitchen to pour Dexter two dog bowls of dog food along with another dog bowl of water to wash it all down.

After he did that, he said something else to Dexter. He yawned, stretched, and this is what he said. "Goodnight Dexter.", said Kevin Sr. while Dexter was still eating his Midnight snack. Then Kevin Sr. left the kitchen and went to the master bedroom.