Go Beyond

On Monday, November 22, Cheryl and I will celebrate thirty years of marriage. We have made plans to get away from it all for a few days, just the two of us. And, we are looking forward to it. However, last night, we enjoyed an early anniversary present from our kids — a special evening that culminated in a backyard serenade by Mariachi Los Gallitos, a Houston-based Mexican folkloric band of classically trained performers. This award-winning group has performed all over the country including the Smithsonian’s Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C. And, now they can add one more venue to their impressive resume — our humble backyard.

My kids know that I have what is likely to be one of the most eclectic set of iPod playlists on the planet, including a playlist of some of the best Mexican love songs performed by mariachis. There is something soothing about these mushy sentimental love songs that appeals to me. I love the lyrics, the rhythms, the occasional melancholy tones, and the festive energy of these songs. A new generation of listeners affirmed the beauty of these songs when Linda Ronstadt released her album entitled Canciones de mi Padre (Songs of My Father) in 1987. Ronstadt’s album sold over two-million copies and won her a Grammy Award.

Our backyard serenade was a smash hit. Cheryl and I thoroughly enjoyed our very own musical command performance by Mariachi Los Gallitos. These guys are loaded with talent. The love songs they sang to us last night were even sweeter because it was the kindness and thoughtfulness of our kids that had made our special evening a reality. Niki, Jonathan, and Gina plotted together in secret, saved their money to pay for everything, and then planned every detail to ensure that the evening was both enjoyable and memorable. And, it was. Cheryl and I will never forget it. Last night, our kids blessed us. We love you Niki, Jonathan, and Gina. Thanks for the special evening and for our backyard serenade.