SURPRISE!

Do you like surprises? I’ve always loved surprises. So much so that I never even joined my childhood friends in the adventures of checking in closets, under beds, shaking packages and peeking under wrapping paper, to see what gifts we might receive for Christmas. My friends thought I was just being a “goody two shoes” (where in the world did that expression come from??) but it was just that surprises were and are still one of my favorite things.

I’ve hosted a few surprise parties for family and friends over the years - most enjoyed them. Some, like my husband, asked me to never, ever do that again. I was amazed because it seemed to me like the most fun anyone could ever have. My sweet family finally decided to give me my first surprise party a few years ago (notice that ‘first’ reference). Either that, or they recalled the countless times I actually said, “I would LOVE a surprise party!” Not sure which. I’ve re-lived the experience many times in my mind - I was truly surprised and it was wonderful.

My husband and I decided to hide the sealed envelopes that contained the results that would reveal our children’s gender. Well, I decided and he was kind enough to honor my request. I’m sure you now get the idea of how much I love surprises.

This morning my husband was out walking the dog when I came downstairs and found a slightly damp Amazon box on the kitchen counter. I thought about my recent purchases and realized I had received everything. The box was wet enough that I was concerned about the contents, figuring that it just might be an early birthday gift. As soon as I raised the flap, I could see the shimmering, green gift bag. I pulled it out so that it would stay dry and noticed there was a tag - and the tag’s message was written with my daughter’s creative and intriguing description. Hmmm. Well, that will be fun to open on my birthday. When is my birthday again? And what day is it now?

Let’s just say, surprises in 2020 aren’t what they used to be. As I’m sure is the case with most of you, I haven’t really enjoyed most of the surprises from this year. And every time I feel a little more brave or certain that some of these things, bad things, might be coming to an end soon, I hear just enough of the news to be slapped back into reality.

I opened the package. I didn’t really even hesitate and both my daughter and husband were shocked. Shocked enough that I think they’re anticipating me sharing some bad news they’ve yet to hear. The bottom line here is this - who knows what in the world the rest of 2020 has in store for us? I haven’t seen my daughter who sent this package since Christmas and it is now mid October - for us this is unbelievable since we’ve never gone longer than a couple of months of being separated.

I received another package today from a friend and I promptly opened it. This feels good and I think I’m beginning to grow even fonder of the “2020 me.” If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s that nothing is promised and we can expect to be surprised by something every day. Unwrap and appreciate the good ones when they come along.