Tiffany's Birthday Surprise

My son-in-law, Ed wanted to make Tiffany's 40th birthday extra special. He ran an idea past us early in the year, but I wasn't sure how she would react to it.

When her birthday finally arrived, I was a little nervous in anticipation of the moment she would learn what he'd planned.

Ed treated us all to an elegant lunch at a French bistro called Mon Ami Gabi.

In the evening Ed surprised Tif with a red velvet bundt cake and balloons.

Among the many gifts that Keola showered his sister with, this framed black and white photo really touched Tiffany. This photo was from the collection I'd scanned a couple of years ago for both of them. The photo (right) was taken during a visit to Hawaii some 35 years ago.

We gave Tif a Fit Bit which she immediately put on.

Then came that moment we were waiting for.... the moment the secret would be unveiled.

I was a little nervous knowing that if Art surprised me this way, I would not necessarily be thrilled. I pack at least two weeks in advance and need to psych up for a trip.

This is when I discovered that Ed knew his wife better than I did my daughter.

She was absolutely thrilled. I watched tears stream down her cheeks. I don't recall her being this happy since we surprised her with a Cabbage Patch doll when she was about KC's age.

KC had kept this secret for two weeks and wasn't exactly happy since she wouldn't be going, but was glad that we'd be devoting all our time to her for a week.

Tif and Ed left for Paris the following week and had an absolutely glorious time seeing all the places Tiffany had dreamed of seeing for so many years.

When I think of the terror and horror that has gripped that beautiful city today, I shudder to think what could have been. For Tif and Ed, the tragedy is even more real since they'd walked those streets just a short time ago.

But on Tif's birthday, all was wonder and full of love and happiness. I loved my son-in-law even more that day.