Joy

It is your birthday. People from all over have called, emailed and sent notes with well wishes. You talk to your family, old and new. Your boss buys you lunch and brings in cupcakes.  Everyone sings.  You wish everything can always be this good.

That night, you come home, watch your favorite ABC Family tween drama and wait to go to dinner with your husband. It is a surprise so the anticipation adds to the excitement.

You walk to the subway with your husband, chattering like a monkey about your day, your dress, your upcoming trip to Portland. He seems a little anxious but you chalk that up to the surprise of the restaurant.

The restaurant turns out to be an old favorite. You get nostalgic thinking of old times. The host says "I have a great table for you guys upstairs.". You think "cool, this place is extra nice tonight."  You walk upstairs and see a large group in front of you. Faces register but then they don't.

You think, "why are these people here that I know?"

"Surprise!"

It dawns on you, these people are all here for you.  On a Wednesday.  In the middle of summer. 20 of your favorite people in the world.  Some have come in from New Jersey, hours away.  Others spent the day
moving.  Some you've known half your life and others you only recently became close to. You see women who are like sisters to you  and the faces of your best friends (you miss a few that are too far away and realize they are there in spirit). You look around and see people from every part of your life talking and laughing. They all know each other and it amazes you.

Your husband has spent time and energy finding the perfect place and the perfect people so that he can finally give you the surprise party  you have always wanted. You had no idea.

And you feel joy, pure joy, the entire night, spilling into the next morning.