I have always loved surprises.
I love the careful planning process. I do not think the task tedious - okay maybe sometimes I do harhar! - but a form of affection for the celebrant.
I love the adrenaline rush of keeping things tightly under wraps from under the ‘target’s noses which is very crucial in keeping the surprise a surprise - did that phrase even make sense to you?!! haha!
I love seeing the roaller coaster of emotions reflected in the celebrant’s faces – from wide eyed look of surprise to the knowing smile of realization and the slow stream of tears falling from under their lashes from heartfelt appreciation.
It has been sort of a tradition in SFC to give birthday surprises and truly we are thisclose to running out of ideas and gimmicks to ensure the success of the surprise.
This month, as my birthday comes to a close, I began to get suspicious and make assumptions every time I am invited to a gathering. My imagination runs wild at the possible ways I could be surprised in celebration of my birthday, but every time, my assumptions were not materialized.
So I just prayed to God to tame my wild imagination and just let me enjoy the moment.
Yesterday it finally happened. I was informed at the last minute to come to a despedida party for our Unit Leader who is leaving for Canada at the end of this month. I honestly didn’t have time to process the situation and make assumptions because 1.) I was informed about each other’s whereabouts – who’s picking up who and etc – not really the usual thing to happen for surprise parties as special guests are kept secret till the last minute right? 2.) I was part of the entourage who ordered the food at brought it to the venue – again not the usual scenario 3.) the venue was not arranged when we got there and one of my co-celebrant (there are 3 February bday celebrants in our group) rushed to put the place in order despite feeling under the weather due to sinusitis.
Every slight inkling I had was thrown out the window because of these points. When the actual event happened they even came in holding farewell and good luck banners. When they presented us with flowers and our own banner, it took a moment for everything to sink in. It was truly a very pleasant surprise!!!
I am very thankful for my SFC family for giving my very first surprise party. It was something I secretly wished for ever since I was a kid. I truly appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into the planning – making it special by contacting my family and friends in the Philippines and making a collage of all their birthday wishes. I felt loved during the honoring and felt seriously overwhelmed at how much they appreciate the little things I do because at times I think it only as self-serving. I felt even more inspired at their encouragement and felt hopeful for the future as they said their wishes for me. I could not contain my happiness that I stayed up late messaging people on facebook, downloading photos and making a video of the event.
I really do love my SFC Family!!!
… and for all of this May God Be Praised!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment