I should start by saying today's Sunday Special takes on a personal note.
The subject of this story is my mom who turned 80 on Thursday.
She's an amazing woman who has supported me through every high and low, triumph and failure.
This milestone needed to be huge.
When I saw Darci Lynne — the young ventriloquist who won the 12th season of "America's Got Talent" — was playing Caesars Atlantic City just two days after her birthday, I knew she had to be there.
Atlantic City is already special for my mom, who grew up in the city. And she loves AGT, with Darci Lynne being among her all-time favorites.
With some major help from Noel Stevenson at Caesars, I was able to get three tickets and the plan was hatched (with video captured and edited by my son, Brady Welsh)....
So, we surprised my mom for her 80th birthday yesterday with tickets to @ItsDarciLynne @CaesarsAC ... She was a little excited... pic.twitter.com/29KyYkW5nC
But it didn't end there.
Stevenson forwarded the video to Darci Lynn, who invited us backstage.
Lined up with more than a dozen others looking to meet the talented 15-year-old after the show, we figured a quick hello and a picture.
That was until Darci's mom, Misty Farmer, came up to my mom.
"Are you Josephine?" she asked excitedly. "I wanted to make sure you were here. I loved your video."
She proceeded to lead my mother inside and introduced her to Darci, who gave her a "Happy Birthday," and a big hug.
Tons of pictures and video followed.
"I feel like a celebrity," my mom exclaimed. "I'll never top this birthday."
