Jun
18
2019
An Unexpected Evening
Posted in Family Life 10 Comments
It all started with a burner on my stove that did not work.
Of course, it happened while my husband was away.
He was building homes in Puerto Rico.
He goes on an international trip each year as a volunteer.
I have a cook top stove with large burners in the front.
The burners can heat two ways.
The burner will fully heat to accommodate a large pot.
It will only heat in the center to accommodate a small pot.
I am partial to the left burner when I make homemade soup.
My children tease me, since the burner on the right is exactly the same.
Not to a left handed person.
When I stir my soup as it is simmering, the left burner allows me to rest the spoon on the left.
Right handed people just do not understand.
My husband wanted to test both the switch and the burner itself.
He has some kind of tool called a multi meter, that tests the circuits.
However, the multi meter he had was not working, so he needed to order another one.
He was astounded at how quickly his package came, in the box with a smile on the side.
He decided to check the stove before we were heading out for the evening.
He pulled the stove out from its place and turned off the power to the stove.
I looked at the clock and wondered if we would be late.
We were going to our daughter and son-in-love’s house for dinner.
She planned a Father’s Day dinner with his parents as well.
We were looking forward to the evening.
We were looking forward to seeing our granddaughter.
We are never able to get to their house before my son-in-love’s parents.
I will take the blame for our lateness on occasion.
No matter how hard we try, they always arrive first.
I say to myself, One of these days… when I see their car in the driveway.
I looked at the clock and realized that my husband was cutting it close.
He told me that he would figure out the problem with the burner the next day.
He pushed the stove back into place.
He turned on the power to the stove.
He went upstairs to get a quick shower.
He got dressed in record time.
We were in the car; I secretly thought that we just might get there on time.
When we reached the house, his parent’s car was not there.
We got here first! My husband remarked, since it has become a standing joke.
There was some silly excitement about that as we got out of the car.
We were greeted by our son-in-love who remarked that we beat his parents.
Our daughter walked into the foyer holding our sweet granddaughter.
She held out her arms to her Pop-Pop whom she had not seen while he was away.
I followed my husband into the kitchen.
SURPRISE! Was yelled joyfully all around us.
I looked to see all of our children, our daughters-in-love, and our friends.
Happy Birthday! They all said excitedly.
Whose birthday? I asked.
Yours! Both of you! My daughter said while everyone laughed.
Then it started; the barometer that I have on my face and neck, got redder by the minute.
We were so surprised.
We each enter another decade this year.
My husband’s birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day.
My birthday is in July, which allows me to tease him about the fact that he is older.
Our children planned this surprise party between our birthdays.
We had zero expectation of anything like this.
We were so grateful for all their hard work.
We were so touched by the way they honored us.
We made the rounds, hugging our family and each of our friends.
Some friends I had just seen and they never said a word.
We thought it was going to be a quiet weekend.
We had no idea that our children came home to celebrate.
I looked around at our friends.
We each have a friend with whom we went to grade school, high school, and college.
Those kind of friendships are rare.
Each face in that crowd has a story and a connection that is precious to us.
My son-in-love prayed before dinner as we all gathered around the delicious food.
There were places to sit in the morning room, the dining room, and outside on the patio.
The din of the voices we love surrounded us.
Nothing could have been better.
I heard all of the music from our high school and college years wafting around us.
Even the songs brought back memories.
Stories were told.
Laughs were shared.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
My heart was so full.
I realized at some point in the evening that I had not thanked God for this incredible gift.
I sent a quick shooting arrow prayer to Him.
I praised Him for all these people that He has given me to cherish.
Our children wanted to hear old stories.
They got more insight into us before we became Mom and Dad.
Everyone had a lovely time.
No one wanted the evening to end.
Our children were all coming home with us.
I would get more cuddle time with my new granddaughter.
We would have a much larger Father’s Day celebration than we originally thought.
That was fine with me.
All the bedrooms were full.
The dog bowls were put out for our son’s dog.
I would prepare food for a crowd, which is my favorite thing to do.
We would all be under one roof, if only for the night.
I am basking in the glow of the memory.
I am so thankful.
The burner on my stove is still not fixed yet.
It can wait; it definitely can wait.
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My husband and I enter the next decade as an emoji, so creatively placed on the invitation…lipstick and all!
What a precious surprise, dear friend! It’s amazing how full our hearts can be when our offspringin’s plan something special for us! I’m so happy for you and your husband! Everyone under one roof, too! How sweet is that? And yes, the burner can wait – but maybe it would be nice to get it fixed so the Mama can cook for the family. (Just Sayin’!)
Mary Ann,
Your comment about the burner made me laugh. Yes this Mama needs that burner fixed. My husband ordered the part. When it arrives, he will fix it for me. I know that you understand about cooking for your family! Delightful!
Blessings,
Gina
Lovely story. I wish you and Michael many blessing in the next decade!
Thank you, Judith. Where has the time gone? It was not that long ago you and I were talking by the swing set while our children played. Precious memories!
Blessings,
Gina
What a wonderful surprise and blessing. Happy Birthday.
Thank you, Carol!
They really surprised us and gave us a wonderful memory!
Blessings,
Gina
Awww, Happy Birthday to both of you! There is nothing better than spending time with your kids and grandchildren. I love that they surprised you, but most of all the gift of all coming home. Your kids rock! Blessings to you both!
Thank you, Jean! Having them all around is a gift that I treasure. I do not take it for granted. Enjoy your growing family. Blessings, friend.
Gina
Happy Birthday to both you!! Love this!!
Thanks, Jen!
We were so surprised, which is not easy to do!
It is a memory we will never forget.
Blessings,
Gina