I hope you're not yet tired of hearing about how my mom celebrated her 100th birthday because I have so much more to share. But of course, reaching 100 is kind of a big deal, isn't it?
My sisters and I had spent weeks preparing for the event and keeping our fingers crossed that the weather would hold up. (It's been getting stupid-cold in the afternoons lately.) The weather was Southern California at its most gorgeous. (Thank you, God.)
Luza thought it would be a mellow afternoon gathering with just the local family, but friends and family traveled for the party. This was the look on her face time and time again as each new person walked in and surprised her.
Can I just tell you that it's kind of a sketchy thing surprising a 100 year old, but I know my mom is healthy and strong and she was just delighted to see so many people that she wasn't expecting. In they came, one after the other, wishing her a Happy Birthday. I'm so grateful that she is so beautifully in her right mind (most of the time). It was glorious watching her greet each guest with recognition. What a gift.
One of the highlights of the day was the 100 piñata. It was bigger than life as a 100 year piñata should be. No, we didn't fill it and break it. We just moved it around and appreciated the awesome.
We had, as promised Italian food for lunch. Lasagna, Mac & Cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, but then we also had plantains. (Damn Cubans!)
Desserts were many and varied, with two cakes and lots of cupcakes. Also, we opted out of trying to light 100 candles. (Call me lazy.)
For the decorations, I hung some banners. You may recall I really got into hanging words at Christmas time? I made two banners. The first said, Happy 100 Luza! I didn't want it to just say Happy Birthday, because, well, you can say that to anyone at any birthday party, but that's not important right now.
The other was made from photos of my mom through the years. I was quite pleased with the results.
My niece very cleverly created these cool jam labels. Talk about awesome party favors. They were quite the hit.
The day ended as we sang "Japi Bersdei" and she blew out her candles and we toasted her good health and long life.
So sweet and oh, so satisfying. Happy Birthday, Luza! Y muchos mas…
Querida Martha: Ya mami vio el adelanto de las fotos en FB. Ahora le llevo toda la página de tu blog junto con la que publicaste el martes. Ella está muy feliz por Tita y secretamente aspira a celebrar también con cien velitas. Un abrazo para TODA esa familia enorme
Dear Martha:Had my first reading tonight of your wonderful blog. Your Mom is wonderful, and may I say, in many ways,like mine. Being a Cuban woman as well, LOL, there’s no other way. I came across your daily glimpse into your world, simply due to nostalgia, a need to connect to my roots in some way. My cousin visited from Cuba this weekend..the usual way: Cuba- Miami-drive 20hrs-NJ. And of course due to snow(I live in VT)couldn’t make the trip down to see him..it’s been 52yrs. So I searched for Cuban blogs…your clever,humorous and heartfelt family accounts were before me. Thank You, brought me back to days gone by and made me smile that someone else loves and is proud of her Cubaness (is this even a word…well we can make it one…LOL) Keep ’em coming and Feliz Cumpleanos Luza!
Hi Marta,
I’m glad I found your blog as I am now trying to plan my grandmother’s own 100th birthday. She is from Manzanillo and I would love to make it the theme for her party and get further suggestions if you have the time. I have a general direction but there’s fine details that I’m lost with.
Your party for your centerian looked wonderful! I hope to hear from you.
Many thanks,
Nicole Salcedo-Perez