My daughter knew of my plans as I prepared for the
drive coast to coast. My son did not. Intentionally I’d kept the
info from him intending to surprise him for his birthday in April. I made the Florida
to California trek in 36 hours only to sit for another 5 in stop and crawl
California traffic. Managed to keep my being in the same state (sometimes in
the same city) a secret from him for a few days. Jeff’s big day came. My
daughter, Natasha, arrived on his doorstep for his celebration. Standing off to
the side, just out of view, the presence of another person could be detected by
the colorful balloon bouquet I carried. Jeff opened the door enthusiastically greeting Natasha. Giving me a preliminary glance, he then turned back to Natasha. Me being there just
didn’t quite compute in his brain for a second. Then his face changed as he
looked back. Incredulously, he said, “Mom! You’re supposed to be in Florida!”
He wrapped me in one of the warmest, heartfelt hugs ever. We will both
definitely remember that happy birthday forever.
Many angels facilitated the possibility for me to pull
off yet another extremely unlikely surprise. It wasn’t unlikely that I’d want
to help my sister (aka Lue, Seal, Lucy, Sis…..) celebrate her big 60th
birthday. The unexpected part, for those who know me a bit more, is that I would
brave visiting the state she resides, Washington. There are quite a few
reasons it is on my least desirable places to travel in the world list - which
will remain unstated here. My niece Annie, unbeknownst to my sister, picked me
up at the airport and harbored me overnight. The next day I accompanied her
family on the drive to the Olympic Peninsula where my sis lives. The rest of
the extended family were already there, Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister-in-Law, and various Nieces and Nephews. I jumped out
of the minivan to the side of the house. All came out to greet the newcomers as
everyone knew what was up except my sister. As she came out, Annie grabbed her
in a bear hug turning Lucy’s back to me. I hurried up behind putting my hands
over her eyes. She felt my hands guessing my great-niece, Kaeli. Knowing she’d never
figure it was me, I removed my hands and she turned around. The look on her
face was priceless as she started screaming in disbelief. I was actually a bit
concerned for a few moments that I’d have to catch her as she appeared to be
in shock. The surprise was a super success as well as the weeks after I got to enjoy
with her and my sweet nephew. Big thank you again to all who helped facilitate this memorable event!
Back in California in time for my enchanted birthday 6/4/64
6:46, I was showered with an abundance of surprises, gifts, love and well
wishes. Read about prior Birthday Magic in ALOHA Everyone couldn’t get together at the same time so I've just had an ongoing
stream of celebration. Got to spend a full day with Natasha getting pampered
and having fun. Enjoyed heart-warming time with Jeffrey which included seeing a
movie on my wish list, Wonder Woman. He even had chocolate molten lava cake
with French vanilla ice cream delivered to me during the movie. More happiness was had with my parents who treated me to a delicious dinner and a napolean pastry “cake”. So many friends and
family honored me with cheerful calls, texts, emails, cards and more. I am
always awed by the fact that you even remember knowing how busy and full your lives are too. Huge thank you all!! Of course, as is tradition in our family,
I’m still celebrating as we do as long as we can 😉
In my past life in California (as a semi-normal
person), I used to be quite organized and always remembered birthdays,
anniversaries, and other special occasions of family, friends and clients. It
was typical to have 3-5 greeting cards going out, on any given day, in my mailbox in
acknowledgement of such. I loved the opportunity to be a small part of each
loved one’s celebration. Over the years my life changed drastically. I got to
the point that I could no longer send cards due to my gypsy life. I did my best
via email but many folks didn’t have email or the email addresses I had became
obsolete. Over time, with so many computer issues, my database was compromised (do you hear that Sage ACT?) and I’ve never been able to restore it to its former functionality.
Additionally, the fact that I keep making hundreds of more friends over time
makes it pretty impossible to remember special occasions as I’d like.
Facebook helps me a little and my memory serves me a tad. I’ve resigned myself to
the reality that I’ll never be able to keep in touch as I used to again. While
this could be disappointing for me, I am reassured with the knowing that I make
all the perfect connections in the perfect time. This allows me to let go of
the feelings of disappointment or regret. It is delightful when I happen to be
with someone to celebrate a happy occasion in their life. I also appreciate all the
people who are serendipitously with me for the wonderful events I wish to
celebrate in mine. Since I may not be able to remember or greet you on your
birthday personally, please consider yourself blessed and showered upon with
festive energies. And, unless your birthday happens to fall on this day (the day
you happen to be reading now), here’s wishing a Very Merry Unbirthday to
YOU!!
As you may know from previous writings, I prefer to
live via trade other than money. However, there are still areas where money is
needed occasionally such as phone bills and airfares. Trade is an energetic exchange
and similar to Karma at times. In other words, there isn’t always an even
exchange between two parties.
Here's to Surprises and Celebrations! And many
more,,,,,
