The countdown to 40 finally reached an end. The day of realization . . of being one year older, alive for 4 decades, and reaching that big 4-0 . . . had arrived.
With the big day happening on a Saturday, we planned the entire day around Chris. We started our day as a family at an indoor go-karting track. This was something a little different and something Chris had always wanted to do. Plus the kids were all old enough to participate so it was perfect.
Family Go-Karting
We got two turns on the tracks. Our first turn was pretty slow as we got used to the expectations at each corner. However, our second turn on the track was ‘pedal down, full tilt’. We were whipping around, trying to pass each other as we narrowly avoided crashing. This was definitely an example of putting too much power into amateurs’ hands. Apparently you can make yourself motion sick, even when you are the one driving. Needless to say, we drove home with 3 motion sick individuals – one being Chris. I think go-karting is definitely a one time event for our crowd, but it will be one for the memory books!
Back at home, we had Chris open up his gifts. As he opened up his Brompton bike, he was floored. We had completely surprised him.
The Revealing
After a trial ride around the block, he was ready to use this new folding bike for his city commute. (Post-script: Chris has declared himself a ‘fair-weather bike rider’ – with as many rainy days as we get in London, the bike will probably hit its peak riding time in summer)
Riding Trial
As Chris nursed his motion-sickness during the afternoon, I began to be a little worried about our evening plans. I had made dinner reservations at a local restaurant for the two of us as a ploy for the real surprise – a big party with friends. I didn’t know how I’d get Chris to the big event if he wasn’t up to going anywhere. Thankfully, he was up to it.
THE SURPRISE PARTY
I had a lot of help organizing Chris’s surprise party. All it took was one mention of the thought to a couple friends and one in particular, Trina, made it happen. She offered her home, met me for lunch to plan, emailed me reminders of when I should be doing certain things, had me over the day before to prep all the food, and put it all together on the day . . . . in addition to making the amazing cake! Truly, this amazing part of Chris’s day wouldn’t have happened without her.
As we were preparing for the evening, Chris got a call from Trina’s husband, Francis. As Chris was their home teacher, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to call for Chris to assist him in giving Trina a blessing. I asked to come along (concerned for Trina’s well-being, of course) so off we went – Chris in his suit and tie with blessing oil in hand.
I was surprised at how dark and unassuming the house looked when we arrived. Francis answered the door, apologizing for the short notice – completely serious and quiet. As he showed Chris into the front room, the lights came on and everyone yelled ‘SURPRISE!’
Humbled
It took Chris a minute to realize what was happening, but it was great. He was completely surprised with no inkling of what was coming – this is so hard to do!
Guys at the Grill
The dinner was amazing! Francis is amazing on the grill and made his secret bbq recipe for the meat. We also had twice baked potatoes, salad, rolls, and appetizers.
The Spread
Trina’s Delicious Carrot Cake
Dinner & Conversation
After dinner, I had everyone take a quiz to see how well they knew Chris. I think everyone learned something new and has started to see Chris in a little different light. He has quite a past – “DJ Chris,” Home Ec Teacher’s Assistant, taught himself the harmonica, set two track records in high school, hospital candy striper, etc.
Chris’s Birthday Quiz
I also did a slideshow of Chris through the years set to music. I wish I had had more time to put it together as a lot of our pictures through the years are not digital. So, I didn’t take the time to use any that I had to scan. It was still a fun ‘walk through the years.’
Cake A-Blaze
We finally lit the cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Chris. He took a big breath and got all the candles in one blow.
Blowing Out the Candles
The cake and ice cream didn’t last long. It was amazing!
We had such a fun night – it was the perfect topping to a really fun day! The only regret – not getting a group picture of all the guests at the party. We did get one of the clean-up crew. We are so grateful for such wonderful friends here in London. We have such a great support system and it was amazing to get to celebrate this wonderful man with them!
Clean-up Crew
Chris truly is the strength and foundation of our family. He is smart, spiritual, imaginative, and the ‘go to’ person for anything. We love him more than words can describe!
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