Billy Crystal is hosting the Oscars this year and I could not be happier! He hosted in 1992. I know this with all certainty because it was one of the most memorable years of my life. I was pregnant with Boy #3. It was very early in the pregnancy and I was busy with his two older brothers and life. My mom and dad were on vacation on the Oregon coast, one of their favorite places to visit. We were planning Boy #1‘s birthday party and in true grandma fashion, my mom had purchased and wrapped his gift early since they would be out of town. One night, while home taking care of the normal tasks of life, the phone rang. I felt a sense of doom. Does this ever happen to you when the phone rings? Well this time, it ended up to be the worst imaginable news. My mom had suffered a massive heart attack and had been airlifted to an Oregon hospital. I heard my sister’s voice on the phone, but I just couldn’t process the information. I was frozen.
As her words sunk in I felt a sense of helplessness and fear beyond anything I had ever experienced before. Growing up, my mom had recounted the story numerous times of how her own mother, very sick with cancer, passed away while she was pregnant with me, her sixth child. In her last month of pregnancy she travelled to her home town in Ohio to attend her mother’s funeral. I know that it was one of the most difficult times in her life.
She wouldn’t do that to me. She would be okay.
My mom passed away about a week after that phone call. I couldn’t travel to Oregon to be there with her, it was devastating and I can’t even describe the grief. I had Boy #3 growing inside me and I had to do things like eat, sleep, and take care of my two little boys. These tasks seemed nearly impossible.The evening before she passed, her condition had worsened and we knew it was just a matter of time. It also just happened to be Oscar night and even though I was a wreck, I settled in to watch. Then Billy came on. He made me laugh out loud in the midst of all my grief and pain and I thought if I can laugh now, maybe everything will be okay. He did this for me, Billy Crystal made me know that it was going to be okay. I can’t say it was okay right away. It took a long time.
Later that year this guy came, look at this guy…then it was okay.
Oh, how she would have loved him. He is hers, heart and soul. To this day I think of how she would have loved him and how Billy Crystal made me laugh and I anxiously await the Oscars, regardless of who is hosting.
We postponed the birthday party for Boy #1 but now it was time and there was Grandma’s gift, waiting for him. I almost didn’t want to open it because I knew it would be the last gift I would ever open from her. It was clothing, practical, so appropriate and so appreciated. Everyone else would buy him toys, she would buy him clothes. Something we needed.
This may not be what one would expect for a post about the Oscar night, but it is life, and like the movies it has a happy ending. It is twenty years later and I’m here, with my beautiful children, a husband I love very much, and Billy Crystal is hosting the Oscars. This is a time to remember and a time to celebrate.
I’m in the process of planning my own Oscar night menu so I thought I’d share with you some of the appetizers I’ve posted so far and the perfect cocktail for your Oscar night festivities.
Turkey Burger Sliders with Smoked Gouda Cheese and Sriracha Mayo
Since I’ve only been at this for six months, I’ve compiled a list of some Oscar worthy appetizers from some of my favorite bloggers. Go check them out and give them some love:
Artichoke Stuffed Baked Potato Bites by Georgia at The Comfort of Cooking
Garlic Miso Chicken Wings by Nami at Just One Cookbook
Thai Chicken Bites by Lauren at Lauren’s Latest
Mini Crab Cakes by Annie at Annie’s Eats
Fontina Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates by Michelle at Brown Eyed Baker
Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce by Val at Val So Cal
Blood Orange Margarita by Brandy at Nutmeg Nanny
Hot and Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip by Jessica at How Sweet It Is
So sorry you lost your Mom like that. I lost mine when I was 15, sudden heart attack. I was at school and got called out of class. Never forget it as long as I live. I am sorry you could not be there but glad you were able to find something to distract you from what was happening. Thanks so much for sharing this part of your life with us.
Kim, I’m so sorry you lost your Mom at such a young age. That must have been incredibly hard. Thank you so much for checking in and sharing your story.
What a sad and touching and heartwarming story! I’m sure that Billy Crystal would love to hear how his comedy touched you. I am also a huge fan and have fond memories of him hosting the oscars in the 90s. Your Oscar party dishes look incredible!
So sorry that you had to go through that Valerie!
Your appetizers look amazing!
Oh Valerie, I’m so sorry to hear that you had to go through such a tough time. It was a very emotional story imagining how life can be so hard all at once…your son’s cute smile with your words about your mom truly moved me. Hope you have a good night remembering good things about your mom. Great collection of appetizers here. Thanks again for linking to my garlic miso chicken wings. 🙂
Thanks Nami. You have so many wonderful recipes that it was hard to choose just one to link to.
My Mom died in 2004, when my middle son was 6 months old; she of course never knew my youngest. Glad you’re able to find the fun in Oscar night; isn’t Billy Crystal wonderful? 🙂 {{hugs}} I’ll pass the cosmo recipe onto my hubby as he’s the cosmo drinker in the family. It looks very pretty; I may even give it a try 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear that Dana. I know how hard that is. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for sharing that story, it is beautiful! I’ll think of you as I watch the oscars this year 🙂 Your food looks delicious!!
Thanks Rosemary. Enjoy!
The all look delicious! 🙂
Very touching story. I lost my father when I was quite young so I know the pain. On a happier note, the food looks yummy. We’d be happy to come to your party 🙂
Come on over Anita 🙂
Read this with tears in my eyes as I’ve lost both of my parents and know how you had to have felt. I’m glad you found something to make you laugh during that time.
The foods you have posted look wonderful 🙂
I’m so sorry that you had to go through that – it must have been so difficult not to get home. I’m so glad that you can embrace the good in something so bittersweet. Hope Billy gives you another memorable night!
Thanks Jen 🙂