A Party In Gyumri?

BY PATIL GHARIBIAN

After a long day at camp last Monday, we came back home as soon as we could to make it to Heripsime’s (Digin Lilig’s Daughter) birthday. When we were walking back home all the girls were thinking of what to wear. As we passed by the house and took a quick glimpse of what people were wearing, we rushed quickly to put on our dresses and got ready!

When we went down stairs, we were all shocked at the amount of food and drinks there were on the table. Plates on top of plates of food I soon realized that these people although do not have the means to do this were more generous than the people back home.

One by one we were all introduced to their family and friends. Digin Lilig kept coming around and making sure that our plates were always full. Then the genatsner started; Digin Lilig’s husband throughout the night made a toast to everyone in the family. Before all the food had even come the dancing had begun! Tata was obviously the family favorite, as we danced to his new CD for most of the night.

Throughout the night we felt more like family then guests at the birthday party. You could tell on Digin Lilig’s face she was happy to have us there. If there was music on, you can bet that Digin Lilig was making us dance! The best part of the night had to be when Allen had to slow dance with Digin Lilig.

As the night came to an end, Kareen and I realized how much cleaning there was to be done, so we went downstairs to help Digin Lilig, which created bonding time with her and her two daughters.  After an endless amount of dishes, she force-fed us delicious madzoon with sugar and lavash.

We then moved over to the computer and started watching videos of us dancing the night away. Apparently every second of the night was recorded! After an hour of watching videos, we went upstairs only after Digin Lilig gave us a huge hug and kiss goodnight.