I celebrated my 80th birthday Aug. 17, and for four glorious days I was treated like a queen.

On Day 1, my family and I checked into South Hill’s Hampton Inn for three nights and I was surrounded by love ones, including my husband, kids, grandkids, sisters, nieces, nephews, in laws, etc.

Some spent time in the pool, some played cards and others just socialized. My husband and I danced and he sung “One in a Million” to me; I was in heaven.

On Day 2, my birthday celebration was held at Brian’s Steakhouse. My family transformed the banquet room into an enchanted wonderland. Even the people that worked at Brian’s Steakhouse were amazed with the transformation. When I walked into the banquet room, Calvin the D.J. played “God’s Grace” and there was no doubt that it was only God’s grace that allowed me to be here for 80 years. On the wall in lights read “Happy 80th Birthday, Mary Lue, Aged to Perfection” and that was exactly how I felt.

The next day we returned to my home and had a huge barbecue for all the friends we wanted to invite to my Friday party but didn’t have enough room for. We opened it to all the people in the neighborhood and had a great time. We started around 1 p.m. and ended around 6 p.m. After the party, we went back to the hotel and continued celebrating until the wee hours of the morning.

On Day 4, we all checked out of the hotel and went back to my house for the final celebration with the remaining family members. We had a fish fry brunch and enjoyed each other’s company until the last family member left to go back to their home.

It was truly a glorious celebration that took my breath away. All I can say is thank you Jesus for blessing me with family and friends who love me enough to take part in my four-day celebration.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The K-V Dispatch. Her email address is  ABoxofLoveKVD@gmail.com