Barbecue

Dear Friends,
During the Easter break, Pat and I flew to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our main goal was to help our daughter Jaci prepare for her wedding on June 5 (in Grand Rapids), a back yard / garden event. We did - and my credit card got a work out…. Ryan and Emily are at Calvin College. Ryan invited us to a house barbecue with his fantastic room mates. Of course we said “YES” and I offered to help.

In reality, it was the B.J. Huizenga show. It turns out they don’t have a grill – so I bought one on sale at the local thrift store. Unfortunately, Ryan had to work while Pat and Emily were dress shopping, S0 – I went grocery shopping and planned the menu for the evening: B.J.’s Special Burgers (ground beef patties mixed with onions, green peppers, and seasoning; quality buns crisped on the grill; and every condiment one can dream of – including olives of course!); a variety of salads; sun and corn chips; and a smorgasbord of drinks. I bought disposable plates; glasses and plastic ware to minimize clean up. After $150, I lugged the groceries and “grill in a box” to Ryan’s duplex by 7:30 p.m. The event was scheduled for 8:00. I was hoping for some help to get ready in time. There was no one home. Eight young men – and not one was there! And, can I say that the kitchen was less than sanitary (college boys, remember)? I sat down to begin the assembly of the barbecue grill and quickly realized that I would not be ready until midnight! I was a bit panicked – and a little resentful. Have you ever felt that way?

At 7:45, the cavalry rode in. Four of Ryan’s housemates arrived, totally surprised that we were having a barbecue (was I supposed to send out invitations?), but excited to help. I assigned two to assemble the grill (one an engineering major), and two to clean the kitchen and start the coals while I chopped onions and green peppers to make patties. Ten minutes later, more boys showed up and I sent them to set up the tables and lay out the feast. By 8:00, the hamburgers were on the grill and the rest of the twelve attendees showed up. Did I say twelve? I was expecting twelve. 25 showed up! Evidently a party and free food at Ryan’s house was too good to keep a secret! No problem, I had bought enough hamburger to feed the neighborhood. Ryan entertained the guests while I worked hard at the grill. I emerged from the patio at 9:00 to a room full of revelers – to a standing ovation!

A good time was had by all! At 11:30, a remnant went down to the basement to play Rock Band (Beatles version). I taught them a lesson! Pat and I drove away at midnight with a smile. Life is good!

Things don’t always go as planned, but that barbecue was one of the most enjoyable evenings I can remember! Why? Because Ryan and Emily are surrounded by friends who know how to have good clean fun. They’re happy and they still want to have their parents around! I am blessed!