Marilyn Monroe in a Pink Convertible

All I knew was that my wife Buffie was planning a very special birthday weekend for me. She said to take the boys and go to a movie and be back at 4:15 sharp because our escort would be waiting.

I thought we were going to a concert from what my sister Debbie had let slip. I didn't know she was in on the gag.

Buffie is a pretty smart girl, but I didn't realize how clever she truly was. Sometime after 4:00, I was driving down my street on what had to be one of the hottest days this summer, I could see a blur of pink in the distance. And it wasn't coming from the surprise lilies in our yard.

In the most beautiful pink convertible I had ever laid my eyes on was Norma Jean herself - Marilyn Monroe waiving and flirting with me. In the back of my mind, "I'm thinking is my wife watching this?" Oh yeah, she planned this. I think.

I recognized Marilyn right away, it was my good friend Lori who I book shows for with my booking agency. She also does Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl, Shania Twain, Cher, Dolly Parton and another famous entertainer who would show up later that evening.

Marilyn gave me hug and led me into the house. I think my boys were still in shock. They weren't familiar with this blond bombshell but I'm sure they thought she was interesting to say the least.

As I walked in my front door, over forty beautiful people yelled, "SURPRISE!" And boy was I.  I'd never been so shocked in all my life. Just a little over two hours prior there was not a soul in sight in my home and as I looked around the room I saw so many dear family members and friends.

My dad and his girlfriend came down all the way from Detroit. My sister Debbie and her husband Brad had come from Michigan as well. Buffie's dad had driven all the way from Oklahoma to be there. My mother-in-law, neighbors, church friends and more all showed up for me. My usual vocal self, could only say one word - "Wow!" My eyes even got a little misty.

We had such an incredible time that night. Buffie made me change into my jumpsuit for photos with Marilyn and the amazing 1955 Ford Sunliner convertible with all the guests. She had created a 50's theme with music and decorations from that era. She looked so beautiful in her black poodle skirt.

And the food was out of this world. Later I found out she had taken off from work the day before to cook almost everything herself at her mom's house. There was so much great food including our friend Lamont's world famous ribs. My daughter Brittany made her incredible chocolate brownies and three kinds of cupcakes.

To top it all off, Marilyn made a quick costume change and came out as Tina Turner and did a totally fun show for all of us. It was a real hoot! Who says you have to be black to have soul? I would have thought this girl was from Motown too.

But I couldn't help but laugh at my youngest boy Baron's comment when he saw "Tina". He said, "Who invited this girl to the party?"

Thank you Buffie for the most special birthday ever. It's great to be king of our castle!

Love you eternally,

Chuck
http://www.nashvilleelvis.com/
http://www.nashvillebookingagency.com/