This Day Had To Come

Sulking.  Sad.  Forgotten.

Daddy's heart sank last Thursday when he nonchalantly asked the Momma, "Hey, what are we going to do on my birthday?"  The Momma asked in mock surprise, "Your birthday?  Crap, that snuck up on me.  What do you want to do?"  "Well, I don't want to just sit here!"   Sit indeed.  The Momma had been scheming and plotting and fabricating a web of lies to conceal the fact that Daddy's birthday, the big 3-0, had not been forgotten!  But she played along... and lined up Grandma to "babysit".

As dawn peeked over the top of IndyAnna's Temple of Doom in the backyard and Daddy scratched and stretched and rolled himself out of bed thinking it just another Saturday, a stampede of little feet assaulted him in the bathroom to wish him "Happy Birthday!!" first!  The Momma suprised him with a special breakfast at Grandma and Pop-Pops. 

But alas!  Breakfast was just the cover story!  Waiting in the shadows lurked (lurked?  Sorry, Peg) his Mommy waiting to pounce and surprise at just the right moment!  And surprised the Daddy was!  Plans of "date night" were instantly forgotten!  And a chorus of little voices praised the Momma's name for her brilliance in choosing the best birthday gift EVER!! 

After a day spent in the company of Grandma Peg, plans were made to enjoy a nice dinner of Daddy's favorite fish tacos.  But alas!  Fish tacos were just the cover story!  Waiting at the largest table in the establishment were the in-laws and both of Daddy's good friends!  (Both? Umm.. yeah.)  The Momma strikes again! 

Daddy's heart was filled with love for his fabulous, caring, lovely wife!  He couldn't even fathom that there could be more - but there was!  A gift!  What could possibly top the surprise of his Mommy and fish tacos??  As he patiently waited while his daughters unwrapped his present, the shock registered across his face.  A playstation 3?  Could it be??  Yes!  Daddy sat back in his chair surrounded by the family that loves him, a snuggly 3 year old seated on his lap, fish tacos in his belly, and thoughts of Madden football racing through his head.

 Content.  Happy.  Loved. 

The icing on the birthday cake..

Before she went to bed, Ali presented Daddy with this letter.

Dear Joe, happy birthday. 

We loved you more when you were 29, but this day had to come.

We love you, Dad.  Love is for you, Dad.

Love, your kind kids