Editor’s Note: Pat Bowe served as a key member of the secret cabal that attempted, then failed, to organize a surprise 80th birthday party for me. Ringleaders Tony and Cathy Bowe appointed Charley Bowe to organize the venue arrangements, and my son Pat was charged with managing the guest list and serving as the party’s master of ceremonies. All four bear responsibility for the botched surprise element. I am hoping this microaggression will enable my victimhood, if not my sainthood. Pat succeeded in successfully introducing his brother Andy’s remarks at the beginning of the after-dinner program, and my own remarks at the evening’s close.
