Keeping it a secret was difficult, planning began a year in advance. Our daughter, with help from her brother (as well as many friends) arranged a surprise birthday party for their mother. Years from now, the details will have faded away, and so they're not really important. But, the feeling of it, and the emotions, will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
I had a small part -- get my wife to the party on time. Fearing we might be late, we arrived too early, so I began driving around, retracing my path, pretending to be looking for a suitable restaurant that wasn't too crowded that time of the day. Coming up with truthful-sounding answers when she would inquire about my bizarre dinner search wasn't easy -- she's no dummy.
We arrived, and were led to the party room by someone smartly tipped off regarding our appearance. Then, like something you'd see in a movie, the doors parted, and everyone shouted, "Surprise!" There are few really magic moments in life, and even fewer worth remembering, but this was one we'll keep forever.
The best part is, she never knew her friends and family were all waiting for her. I believe we're defined by our friends and family, and my wife has the best of both. Time was that life was too hard and busy for me to worry about friends or family, but the experience our daughter provided for her mother has taught me they're the most important aspects of life. Thank you Chris and Robert, and all the others who helped. Happy Birthday, Michele. The details are not important. But, the feeling will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
