THE BESTEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!

I was sitting there chatting with Helen (my ex-tenant and great freund), enjoying every minute of being surrounded by family and friends for our annual birthday party. Because the storms had come and gone, it was finally held in my youngest son’s backyard. It was a lovely, late afternoon. The smells from his home-made smoker where supper was cooking made our mouths water. A man came over and introduced himself; he was a co-worker of Miko’s daddy, and he was telling me how he appreciated the good humor and empathy of my boy. Momma preened, lol!

Suddenly he just stepped back and moved on. Odd, but oh well, his business, so I turned to continue conversation with Helen. My sweet Miko was sitting on my knee; she had headed for me as soon as I walked into the party and I selfishly ignored any attempt to lure her away. Then her daddy was in front of me with a birthday bag.

“Here, Mom. Open your present.” He said. He took Miko from my knee and handed her to the same man who had walked away from me just a few minutes ago. I reached for the gift, at the same time noticing that his wife, Yoshiko, moved in beside him with her cell phone camera. She is Japanese, after all (grin). In the bag was a beautiful framed portrait of his family, all of them dressed in Hab sweaters.

“Aw, so wonderful! Thank you!!” I exclaimed in delight.

“And your card,” he insisted. “Open your card.” I did as requested. I love my kids’ cards! On the outside it read ‘A long, long, long, long time ago...’ – then I opened it to the music of the Star Wars theme, and the message continued, ‘You were born. May the force be with you. Happy Birthday!’ I looked up at him and laughed.

“Thanks a lot!” The little bugger! I’m not THAT old!!

“Did you read it all?” he asked. I looked down – there was handwriting on the inside cover.  I read it once, then again, and then again. I’ll translate what was written in French:

‘For my Mémère! Dear Mémère – I know that your desire is to see us as often as possible, so we thought that a nice portrait of us could satisfy you for the moment. Because my Daddy can only start his new job on August 29^th, and that new job is at Mirabel! You can take down the sheet you have on your fridge with your wish that we’d move closer, Mémère. We’re coming!!!”

I guess I don’t have to describe my reaction when the words finally sank in. I screamed, I jumped up and hugged my son and Yoshiko and my little Miko so hard, over and over again!! I think they began fighting to get away from me!! I do believe I had many around me sharing my tears of tremendous joy. They’re coming home!!! Not only will Miko be raised surrounded by family and friends, just as her daddy was, but I’ll be able to see her every day! Talk about a birthday present!!! I’m still tearing up as I write this – I’ve been waiting for it for so long, not only for Miko, but for her parents too. I know how much family and friends mean to my son, as it does to each of my children, and I’m just so darned happy!!

He had known since Tuesday, but had sworn everyone to secrecy. He wanted it to be a birthday surprise. His co-worker who suddenly walked away? He admitted that he had nearly let the cat out of the bag by saying that he was going to miss working with my son now that he was transferred. He was playing it safe, LOL!

My SMILE is HUGE, and there is more than enough for everyone, so I’m sending it out to y’all. Blowing kisses with that!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.