Our evening started at 5 with a student recital at the Curtis Institute. This is one of our favorite activities in Philly. I remember attending my first concert with Jason and his friends one Mothers’ Day about ten years ago. Immediately following the concert, we gathered our clan and headed over to a.kitchen for a delicious and decadent dinner.During dinner I was very well behaved, camera wise, and did not take one picture. It was just a small gathering with Jason, Jess, Mark, my mom and myself. Just the was Jason wanted it. We had a wonderful time sharing stories, memories and discussing plans for the future. It is so rare that we are all together, last night was truly a blessing. Immediately following dinner, we walked over to South Street for the main event at Rex 1516.
Jason’s dear friend Heather helped to make this part of the evening truly spectacular. Jason made mix tapes that provided the background music and chose the movies that played on the big screen during the event.
Having arrived at Rex first, I had the opportunity to take a selfie of us in the mirror. It didn’t turn out great, but I love it anyway!
We celebrated with old friends and new friends. Jason is so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends that he has known for years!Because Jason has known some of his closest friends since high school, he has a long list of nicknames that just keeps being added to, year after year.
Heather made sure that we had a cake, so grateful for that. It was a delicious carrot cake made by the chef at Rex. I was happy to be able to get a photo of him blowing out the candles!
There are no words to sum up the emotions that I experienced last night. I guess mostly, proud. It takes a special man to gather so many wonderful people together as a part of his journey. The fact that we have known so many for years and they are like family to us is a testament to his character.
Although he doesn’t like to get his picture taken, he did not give me a hard time about a selfie at the end of the evening. Just like always, I am so proud and blessed to call him my son.