Srprise of a Lifetime! Dec. 2003
Today was one of the most wonderful and precious of my entire 81 years. I was given a complete surprise party at Simi Winery—the first surprise party I have ever had in my entire life. It was cold rainy day, and after I built a fire in our tasting room’s fire place and set out the samples, the day dragged on and on with no visitors. I guess everyone was either out Christmas shopping or hunkered down in their warm homes. Anyway it was really boring, although I did get a chance to read two newspapers.
About 2 o’clock Patty, the winery’s receptionist who is one of my dearest friend, (It was she and her husband who took me home and cared for me after my cancer operation) asked me to come into the other room. Whenever that happens I immediately worry that I have done something wrong and am about to be chastised. She opened the door into a little back room where we often eat our lunch, and suddenly a whole group of people started singing “Happy Birthday to you”. I was in shock when I realized it was for me! My birthday isn’t until next Saturday, the 27th, but since many of them will be going over the holidays they secretly planned this for me. When it finally dawned on me what they had done and I saw the balloon which said, “I Demand a Recount!” and the gifts and the smiling faces, I burst into tears. Pam put her arms around me and held me until I could get control of myself, and then they all told me how much they loved me. I still can’t believe it! I told them that since my own family is spread so far and wide, they have become my true family—and I really meant it.
My gifts were splendid. Heidi gave me the lovliest little box with a fairy (or angel) with sparkly wings on the top and a sparkly tiny bow inside.. Patty gave me a pretty tin box with a stack of note paper and a pen inside. And most amazing of all was the tiny real Christmas tree covered with $5.oo bills for decoration. Wow! And Katherine, whose husband, Jerry, came over just for the party, gave me a great little book all about Vietnam. Pam’s gift was the most amazing. She had covered two bottles of wine with adorable miniature brocade Chinese dresses. AND there was my favorite food—pumpkin pie. All in all it was a day to remember, and once again it made me so grateful that at the age of 81 I am still able to enjoy life to the fullest. Lucky, Lucky me!!!!
Later: My computer has been frozen, so I couldn’t transfer this from “Word” to my journal.
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