Surprises

I have never had a surprise party. I guess it’s because no one ever thought about making me one. Once, for my birthday about 11 years ago, all of my children got together and we went out to eat when I had expected only some to show up and then when I got home there were all sorts of practical gifts for me. I had just moved to Israel and was missing things like an iron and ironing board and full length mirror, and a few other things. It was a lovely evening despite the fact that the wait staff at the brand new Thai restaurant had as little a clue as we did what was on the menu. They seemed to deliver random items to the table, a fact that was confirmed when one asked “who had the fish?” The answer was that no one had ordered fish. My guess is that none of us had ordered anything that we were served. But it was a happy evening and one that I like to remember.

So this year, when my birthday rolled around, it made me really happy to get a couple of emails and telephone calls and a beautiful bouquet of flowers from all of the children. They had remembered and that was very special.

My daughter Leah had invited us to dinner tonight, something that was unusual, but it seemed like a very nice idea. My husband and I both have colds and really were feeling sluggish tonight, but we went anyway. Imagine my surprise when she opened the door to her apartment and there were two other children and their spouses, a couple of grandchildren and a couple of our best friends! I really was surprised. I hadn’t even had a thought that this might be a party!

It was a lovely evening. Our son, Sam and his wife, Ofi entertained us with tales of their children who are very interesting children who say and do cute things. We did a lot of laughing and that felt really good.

I am really grateful for my good friends and my wonderful family. I want to thank my dear husband and fabulous children and especially those terrific people who are married to my children– who chose spouses, but surely didn’t choose me! They are all super people and I appreciate them and love them as my own.

Thank you all!