THE FEELING OF…SURPRISE !!!!!

                              HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!

​Be assured, I truly believed this was just a luncheon with my children. It had been a long time since we were all together in one room. When my son and daughter-in-law, who reside in Florida, offered to host it at their country club, I was happy to come as a guest.
 
My husband and I arrived at the Country Club, along with my youngest daughter from New York and her fiancé. My son was guiding us through the dining room.
 
My first FEELING was one of annoyance that we had to walk so far into the dining room.  (Oh well, no-one ever listens to me)
 
There were curtains ahead of us sectioning off a room of the club, and my son kept saying that he wanted us to see the new renovations the club had made.
(Oh, can’t walk so far, why do I care?)

He parted the curtains and I saw a blur of people at tables in front of me. I turned to him and said, “This is a private party, let’s go.”  Then I heard an exuberant crowd yelling,
                   “SURPRISE”……HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”
I thought, “OMG, THIS IS FOR ME!!  
                  OMG, I SHOULD HAVE HAD MY HAIR DONE! 
                  OMG, I would have worn something else….
                  And then, OMG I never had a surprise party before…….
 
                 MY HEART STARTED PUMPING HARD! I am so EXCITED!!”
 
My daughter, who resides in Florida, came rushing towards me, hugging and yelling “surprise.” My son from New York came over and exuberantly kissed me. My grandchildren flooded towards me...….
(I can’t believe it. This is thrilling…….)
 
Then I turned to the table to my right and was totally taken aback that my childhood friends were sitting there….I hugged them and started to cry.
(How did they get here?)
 
My husband sent an uber for them. Then it hit me, my husband and I are together 24/7. How did he do this without my knowing? And my Florida son and daughter-in-law were his accomplices.” 
(Never thought anything would get by me, but….IT DID!)
 
Then I turned and saw all my beautiful family and friends that filled the room. It looked like more than 40 people.
 
STILL AMAZED, I THOUGHT, 
This is for me…..I can’t believe it.   
I am so thrilled  and so grateful for all of you in my life.
 
I GREETED EVERYONE….There was FABULOUS FUN, FABULOUS FOOD, FABULOUS PICTURES, FABULOUS CAKE, AND TABLE WTH A LARGE POSTER OF MY FIRST BOOK. WOW! EVERYONE SIGNED IT…..AND…..BEAUTIFUL GIFTS, WITH THE MOST FABULOUS HUSBAND, CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS ANYONE IN THIS WORLD COULD WANT.”

And…..they were not through yet…..after a glorious party, an after party with barbecue
for all who could attend, at my son’s home…...This marvelous day will never end in my heart. 
  
                       Dear Everyone:
 
                       Thank you so much….a special day, and feeling in my heart and soul.       
                       It was a remembrance that I will never forget.
 
                               May you have all the love your heart can hold….
                               All the happiness a day can bring….
                               All the blessings a life can unfold.
 
                         Thanks, kisses, hugs, appreciation, and joy for a
                        Once in a Lifetime Surprise!
 
                               (I have to write about this on my blog.)
 
                                                                                Carol-Rose Marshall
 
                                                                               Wife, Mother, Grandmother,
                                                                               Friend, Relative & Confidant
                                                                               Author and Blogger