As most of you know, Simon and I just returned from Biloxi, Mississippi where we were visiting my birth family. They were throwing a big tribute at the IP Casino in memory of my grandfather, Gus Stevens, who was quite a big name on the Gulf Coast in the sixties and seventies because of his night club. Numerous acts got their start in show business at his place.
One of the coolest things about our trip was the Big Surprise. By grandmother, Irene didn't know we were coming, and she hadn't met Simon yet. Greeks refer to their grandmothers as "Yaya," so that's what everyone in our family calls her. Anyway, I haven't seen her in about five years, so when she extended the invitation for us to attend the tribute, she didn't expect Simon and I to actually be there.
My birth mom, Elaine, and I decided to reveal the surprise on Saturday the 22nd, the day Simon and I arrived. Simon also decided to hold off on meeting Yaya until dinner that night so she and I could have some alone time. Elaine called Yaya and said she needed to come over and borrow some earrings. They only live about five miles apart, so it made sense. When we got there, Elaine went on inside, but I waited in the front yard. Inside were Yaya, my uncle Steve, his girlfriend Deb, and Elaine.
After a minute or so, I knocked on the door. Yaya came to the door, saw me, placed her hand on her chest, and stepped back in total shock. The look on her face was priceless, eyes wide, mouth open but speechless. Finally, in typical southern style, she exclaimed, "Oh my Darlin'!" and she started crying. I simply chuckled, told her "Surprise!" and wrapped my arms around her.
Although the entire trip was wonderful, that one moment made all of it worthwhile.
