Dad's Party

The big day isn't until July 25, but in honor of John Harrison Burtnett III turning 70, there was a party at his home in Spartanburg. The food was prepared by Marilyn Burtnett with the help of Monte Remaley and Marian Gillespie. Among the guests were his family, friends, and surprise guests, cousin Nancy Jo ("Joey") Forbeck and her husband, Paul, of Oakmont, PA; also, longtime friend, Jim Summers and his wife, Lynda, of Snellville, GA. We deeply missed Susan Burtnett Bablove, who was unable to travel due to health concerns, and are praying for her recovery. 

John, Brick, Ann Harrison, and Tim Remaley hanging out before other guests arrived. The Remaleys have been a constant presence for us all my life, and he and Tim have known each other since 1965. It was wonderful to see Tim, Monte, and Marian!

Jeremy Wilde and Paul Forbeck chat with John and others. 

Annie and her pal Brick, with Meredith Greco and Maggie Hunsinger, and that's Monte working away in the background.

Paul Forbeck, Molly talking to Sterling Case, and John and Tim. 

Robin Fields, Ann Harrison, and Marilyn in the kitchen

The desserts: eclairs and lemon cake

The food was abundant and fabulous!

There was a theme of Wofford colors, too. 

With Robin (from whom I get my middle name), and Monte

Peggy and Laddie Harrison, Paul Forbeck, Robin Fields, Sterling Case, and Nancy Forbeck

Old pals, Tim Remaley and Skipper Lancaster

Hunter Norman and Jeremy got to spend a little time catching up.

Originally from Charleston, WV, these two guys spent their childhoods together. How special for "Jimmy" Summers and Lynda to be here to celebrate!

The girls enjoyed being around special friends like Robin Fields and Peter Moore.

I can't describe the joy of having cousins "Joey" and Paul with us; my dad had not seen them since 1986, and they had surprised him a couple of days before! Joey's mother, Jane Burtnett Cusick, was the sister of John's father, Jack Burtnett. 

Peter Moore has been a monumental figure in my life. We had fun reminiscing over goofy stories! I'm thankful for his presence in my dad's life. 

John loves these ladies, my lovely step-sisters, Meredith Greco of Lexington, SC, and Claire Norman of Kennesaw, GA. We regret that Wayne and Mary Claire were unable to attend. 

I am grateful to have captured this moment:

What John and Joey were unable to express in words was expressed here. It was hard to say goodbye to his dear cousin who he hadn't seen in so many years! 

My one regret is not having taken more photos of the evening. There were many dear folks here who are not pictured: Ronnie Fields, Jayne Case, Casey and Zoe Greco, Josh Hunsinger, Foster and Lynda McLane (except for being in the background of the last photo), Marian Gillespie, Bill and Cathy Kerfoot, and another special guest, Jireh Wilson. He is like another grandson to John, and I know his presence at the party meant a lot.

Many thanks to all who attended, as well as to those who wrote notes and well-wishes to my Dad in honor of his birthday. It was a special evening in honor of a special man, and all of you are special to him!