Marvin knew there was to be a celebration of his 90th birthday at the Hedley Hall. He dressed for the occasion and his appearance was pretty spiffy. Even though he had been told this little party was for him, when he entered the hall his face and physical demeanor registered astonishment.
Maybe he had expected only a handful of his neighbours to come, not the approximately 30 smiling guests shouting “Happy Birthday Marvin!” Also, he likely had not expected elaborate decorations including a large banner wishing him a Happy 90th birthday. For a moment he stood transfixed.
Marvin lives alone on the far side of the community, alongside 20 Mile Creek. I stop and chat with him when I meet him on the street, but I don’t know his full name. It’s quite possible no one in town knows his last name.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch served by the Hedley Hall ladies. Some of us were still eating when there was a loud knock on the exterior door.
An elderly woman entered, wearing a long dress with a shawl around her shoulders, a kerchief tied over her grey hair, and walking with a cane. By her accent we understood she and Marvin have a common Ukrainian heritage.“My name is Baba,” she announced. “The farmers from back home on the Saskatchewan prairies sent me to share best wishes and words of wisdom.”
Marvin broke in and said, “I’m almost afraid to hear their message.”
“Be mindful of corona virus,” Baba advised. “Don’t drink that beer in the sun. That’s the truth of where corona virus comes from. Also, don’t fall for any of those crazy health food fads. At our age, we need all the preservatives we can get!”
After dispensing more sage advice, Baba said, “your friends sent me to dance for you. I’ve been taking lessons but I warn you, I’m just a beginner. I’m going to do a pole dance!” and she held up 2 canes. Then without moving her feet, she vigorously moved her hips from side to side.
Baba paused, glanced at her audience and winked at us. She ended her speech with, “Marvin was a good dancer. He sure knew how to shake, rattle and roll! He still does … every morning when he gets out of bed.”
Marvin smiled many times during Baba’s humorous presentation, then got up and did a mini jig on the spot. “This is the best town I’ve ever lived in,” he said. He was given a number of gifts, including a gift card to use at the Hedley Country Market. There was also a walking stick with his name carved on it.
The members of the Hedley Hall gave Marvin a party he may never forget. And they gave us all an opportunity to get to know him better and have some great fun.
I enjoyed hearing about Marvin and his party. It seems that people in Hedley know how to throw a party!