Just like Maria, “Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good” to have been blessed with friends and family who braved the rains and traffic, who patiently sat and waited as the evening’s entertainment was delayed by torrential rains, who stayed up past their bedtimes on a weeknight to surprise me with a totally unexpected birthday party.

Wasn’t really up to celebrating my birthday with a bang this year, was going more for a whimper. I was just planning to have quiet dinners with small groups of friends.  And I was also deeply embroiled in planning a surprise party for one of my oldest friends.

Well, it seems, I was the one who was surprised.  The party that I was planning was hijacked by my friends and turned into a joint surprise party for my friend and me.  I walked in, ready to warn them that the guest of honor was just making a quick stop in the restroom, when I was greeted by a loud, “Surprise!” and was shocked to see the group looking at me expectantly.  It didn’t really sink in until I saw my brother and sister-in-law, plus old work friends gathered along with the crowd that I invited for the other surprise.

There was even a cake given by my Flight Attendant friend who couldn’t join us due to her work schedule.  And a cake made just for me, with my picture and a purple purse and boots.

To say that I was surprised is an understatement.  I am astonished, flabbergasted, stupefied and truly, truly touched.   In a year where the bad has, on occasion, overshadowed the good, it was great to feel the love.

To all those who planned, plotted and partied with us, and clapped for me when I sang…THANK YOU, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART and THANK YOU, THANK YOU FROM INDAY’S BOTTOMLESS HEART.

We went back to our Dance Hall Days and partied like it was 1999.  We proved to everyone that We’ve Got the Beat.  These are the Days we’ll remember so Don’t you Forget About me.   I am Lost in Emotion and I have No More Words to tell you just how happy you’ve all made me.  I want to Rock with You forever because for me, each one of you is…GOLD.

That’s all for now…bow.