As my birthday approaches I try to be less observant, not to snoop or pry; I try to subdue my curiosity level. Those things come so natural, though; it's hard for me. But as each day shifts closer and closer to the 13th my ears become sharper and I automatically become more aware of detail. I try to ignore things, not to question or be suspicious. But even though I try not to pay attention to things, I can't help myself; I hear every word, notice every glance; my curiosity is fighting to break loose. But what is there to be suspicious of? Nothing is any different from normal; no one acts strange.
Every Friday we go up to the Solis' house, just to have fun and hang out. This year the 13th is a Friday; this week at Friday Fun Day it will be my birthday. But I don't think anything of it. Nothing is any different from normal, no one acts strange. For about the past six years something is always happening on my birthday; something big, and always something different. I wasn't planning on things to be off beat from the normal strange, so I naturally thought nothing of it when I plan to spend my birthday up at the Solis' house. In fact, I'm excited about it!
It's the 13th; it's Friday. It's my birthday. Mom makes a wonderful breakfast with an elegantly decorated table. It is a pleasantly calm morning. Dad eats with us and then leaves for work; we get ready to go to Friday Fun Day. My curiosity is burning, I notice detail. I want to think there might be a surprise party waiting for me up at the Solis' house. But I tell myself there isn't. After all, nothing is any different from normal; no one acts strange. We get in the car and go. I try not to be suspicious when mom or Julia text. I try not to notice detail. I tell myself nothing is happening, after all, nothing is any different from normal; no one acts strange.
We pull up to the Solis' house. I'm excited cause I see Renae's car. She doesn't come to Friday Fun Day all the time. My eyes automatically search for any unusual vehicles; I don't see any. I watch to see if Emily comes out to greet us like normal. She does. I notice the blinds are closed on the front windows, but I don't think much of it. After all, nothing is any different from normal; no one acts strange. We say our regular hello to Emily and head toward the house. Julia and Emily go in first. I walk in the front door and notice colorful streamers hanging in front of the entrance to the Family Room. I notice balloons on the floor. I don't think it's too weird; it is my birthday. But then I see my friends. A balloon pops somewhere, the loud bang adding to yells of "surprise!" I'm overwhelmed. I want to laugh, but my eyes fill up with tears instead. I want to run toward the friends I haven't seen in months and hug them. But I can't. Instead I just stand there awkwardly with a stupid smile on my face. More of my friends are here than I could have imagined. I feel loved; I know I'm loved. And I love all these precious people.
God has blessed me beyond measure with the friends that now stand around me. Each one of them has played a distinct role in my life, and I appreciate them all individually. As I spend the day with them, playing sports, enjoying a wonderful dessert, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for their presence in my life.
Who asks for a surprise party? Well, I did, and I got one too. Was I expecting it? To be honest, I wasn't. Yes, I noticed little things, but in the end I was still thoroughly surprised.
Yeah, I know I'm different, I know I'm weird. But what can I say? I was born on Friday the 13th; I've got a reputation to live up to!
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