The Surprise of My Life

August 4, 2012 fell on a Saturday. I looked forward to this morning to sleep-in and to have a quiet “me” day. I had just finished a busy rewarding week in which I helped a wonderful group of Christians share our faith with about 180 children in Vacation Bible School. During the previous week, Erica and Trevor had returned from a two week trip to Shanghai, China. We had the privilege of caring for our grandsons, Trevor and Hunter. No sleep-in mornings during those two weeks! It is a very special joy for our grandchildren to be a part of our lives and for us to be a part of their lives.

Erica called and invited Richie and I over for dinner. Trevor’s brother Scott, Christine, and their baby were taking a trip to visit them from NY. I was excited to see the three of them, but especially to see Sebastian who is their miracle baby. He was born 3 months premature and will be celebrating his first birthday on September 10th. We were to be at Erica’s home at 3PM.

I did have my quiet morning and then decided to bake some banana muffins to bring with us for dessert. Richie gently reminded me that we should be on time because Trevor was barbequing and we couldn’t be late when food was being served.

We left on time and arrived at Erica and Trevor’s at 3:00. As we drove up their driveway I said, “The Barbeque isn’t on”. We noted Scott and Christine’s car in the driveway but commented that Scott’s motorcycle wasn’t in the garage. We had been told that he was going to trailer his bike to PA.

Richie followed me, banana muffins in hand, through the garage and into the door leading to the kitchen. There was a room full of people calling out “Surprise” and “Happy Birthday”. I cried for what seemed to be about 10 minutes as I realized the greetings were for me. I have since been reminded of some funny statements which I made through my tears of surprise and joy; “Didn’t you tell daddy about this?” (not knowing that he was the initiator and co-planner), “Richie!, you knew and you wore THAT shirt?”, “I can’t believe I didn’t have a clue, How could you plan all of this without me?”(I guess I’m not as necessary as I think I am), “I wanted a 60th Birthday Party, I never expected a 70th Birthday Party and my Birthday was in June, it’s August!”. My girls answered, “It is ten years and two months later than you had wanted; that makes it even more of a surprise!” They sure were right. My 70th Birthday Celebration was the Surprise of my life.

Surrounding me were Richie, Erica, Trevor, Christa, Kris, Trevor, Hunter, Harrison, Sebastian, Christine, and Scott. My sisters and their families; Marlene, Ken, Jane, Ron, Kendel, Matt, Dylan, Ryan, Amy, Bruce, Caitlin, Allison, Laura, John, Trevor, and Courtney were there to greet me. Our dear friends, Anna, Richie, Pat, Roger, Eleanor, and Marv completed the circle of special people in my life who were able to be with me on this extraordinary occasion.

I missed other family members who had other commitments on this day of celebration; Doug and Mary, Sean, Joyel and Sean and their families. All of my nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews are very special to me. I pray daily for God’s Blessings in their lives. My long time friends, Janet and Bob, called me from Nevada during the party. Bobby and Don from New Hampshire were unable to come to NY but as always, Bobby and I were on the same wave length and she said she was thinking about me all day long on Saturday. A gift and heartfelt greeting arrived from them on the Monday following the party. I thank each of them and others, unnamed, who were with us in thought and in spirit but were unable to be physically present on this memorable day in my life.

Words can’t express the gratitude in my heart to Richie and our girls, Erica and Christa, and their families for such an unexpected and amazing surprise birthday party. The food and gifts were wonderful but most appreciated was everyone being together in one place at one time. We talked, we laughed, we reminisced, and we celebrated the 70 years which God has given me. Marlene, Jane, Erica, and Christa, thank you for all the time which you spent to put together all of the picture memories for display. Jane, the album is wonderful. Marlene, my pink Queen’s crown, pink puffy sleeves, and pearled wand will be keepsakes to be passed on to you next year!

Psalm 100 is a psalm of Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for everything which God has given to me. He has given me an internal joy even during the sad times in my 70 years. Life is a physical and spiritual journey. My family and friends are each unique gifts to me. We are all a part of each other and of everyone who touches one’s life as we travel our individual journeys. My faith is a gift from God and it is the part of me which I want to pass on to my family and friends; to all whom I love. Psalm 100:3 says, “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation”. God has been so faithful to me and I love each one of you so very much.

Thank you, Lord. Thank you, family. Thank you, friends.