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ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION |
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The happy couple, Larry Varnell and Nia McClellan, take time to slow dance. |
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Larry Varnell thwarts his surprise birthday party
By: Jurry Taalib-Deen
The Toledo Journal
Originally posted 7/20/2010
Nia McClellan had to sneak on the phone and whisper as she planned a surprise 29th birthday party for her boyfriend, Larry Varnell. But the sneaking and whispering only drew more attention to her and caused Mr. Varnell to say to himself, ''Hold on, I’m not feeling this.''
Finally, the intended surprise came to an end when Ms. McClellan met with the DJ of the event in a parking lot. Her boyfriend of four years pulled up, on his way to the bank and saw her talking to the man, who he thought was just some guy.
''I was thinking, if she doesn’t want me then just let me go,'' Mr. Varnell said while laughing, when he pulled up and saw Ms. McClellan meeting with the DJ.
He watched as Ms. McClellan got out of the car and approached him to say something he didn’t expect: ''I was trying to give you a surprise party but you’re so nosey!''
Mr. Varnell said he instantly felt relieved and responded to her statement by saying, ''I can still act surprised if you need me too.''
So, on Saturday, July 17, at the Grenadier Club at 1343 Avondale Ave., Larry Varnell had his ''surprise'' birthday.
Not only was family and friends in attendance but also his parents drove from Kenosha, Wisconsin, where Mr. Varnell is originally from, to celebrate their son’s birthday.
''To be a young black male, growing up in these times we’re living in today, he never gave me one problem,'' affectionately stated his mom, Shirley Varnell.
Mrs. Varnell continuously stated how impressed she was about the excellent character of her son by saying that she never had to bail him out of jail and how he helped her with his two younger siblings.
And every Sunday, like clockwork, Mrs. Varnell said her son would call and check on her. ''He’s a good kid and I just love him.''
His dad, Lawrence Varnell, spoke of similar characteristics but added ''He not only accomplished being a good man but he has done better than I have.''
As family and friends dance and mingled in a setting adorned in the colors of Larry Varnell’s favorite team, Duke, his best friend of eight years, Kenneth Gullatt, spoke about why they’re best friends.
Mr. Gullatt said his friend is a good guy, a good father and ''I just respect him as a man.''
Ms. McClellan wanted to show her boyfriend just how much he means to her by getting him 1k-diamond earrings.
''He’s a very good man to my 13-year-old son,'' she said. ''He’s a positive role model and a wonderful father to his two daughters. Everything about him I love and respect.''
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