Surprise!! 🎉 I was definitely surprised. And confused. And tearfully happy. And momentarily disappointed that we weren’t actually going to the movies. But then back to excited and over the moon.
Everyone was standing on the lawn. Wait a minute, are we back to drive-by lawn parties? Those were so 2020. But who cares! I still get to see my dear friends all in one place! I see my brothers. My sisters. She’s here?! They’re here?! Oh my goodness, they’re here, too?! Hug me. Hold me. More smile. More tears.
But then it hits me. FOOD! I’m starving. And it’s a party, which means there’s going to be good food. I walk in, there are pictures through the decades hanging from twine. Balloons “floating”. Photo booth. Games. Furniture rearranged making room for more seats. This isn’t just a hi-and-bye birthday. It’s the real thing. It’s a par-tay!! Oh parties, how I’ve missed you so much this past year. Welcome back to my life!
I look to my right, and there it is! Hawaiian bread bowl with spinach dip. Strawberries with sweet dip. Veggies and ranch, gold fish crackers, chocolate chip cookies, mini cream puffs, cupcakes, and a big ol’ birthday cake with my name on it! Literally. Once again, Mom did not disappoint!
Lunch plate in hand, making my way to the family room, when the heart and soul of the party begins. Stories and memories with friends. Introductions of church friends with family friends and dancing friends with childhood friends. My friends becoming your friends, sharing my joys with you is what delights my heart. ❤
The kids swimming in the pool. Babe capturing this special day with flashing camera clicks. And the catching up and conversations keep coming! Laughing and reminiscing about dancing nights and softball shenanigans, annual camping in the desert and shared gratefulness for God’s kindness and impressive orchestrations. Foster care details, rollerskate ramps, Disneyland dates, ministry moments, due dates and deadlines, startled-toddler toy in the cake…all new memories bringing grateful grins when I think of my celebration.
Eventually, I gave my hugs goodbye, while some family stragglers stayed for cousin playtime and the regular magnet building and gymnastics into the pit. And though the party couldn’t have gotten any better, it did! I got my movie after all, which is one of my favorite things to do with the family.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much, all of you who helped make my Big 4-0 so memorable and filled to the brim with love. (Big shout out to Babe! You know who you are. 😄😘) All the special notes, cards, pages & pictures in my book, smiles, laughs and hugs. Thank you! My birthday could not have been better. ❤💗💖💝
