SURPRISE!

We've just returned from a short trip to Toronto, where we somehow managed to pull off a surprise party for my wonderful daughter Sarah. It's her 21st birthday this month, and we wanted her to be able to celebrate with all her friends in Canada. And we wanted it to be a complete surprise.
So the planning began.
If you have any experience with young women in general, you know how incredible sneaky and curious they can be. Sarah is no exception and I knew if she had the slightest suspicion that anything was going on, she'd be all over it like a dog with the Christmas ham bone. Thankfully I can also be pretty sneaky when the need arises.
I put together a Special Ops unit of close and trustworthy friends and we devised a plan. My husband and I searched the internet for the perfect location, engaged in a long debate with our team as to which date would be best for this event, and finally everything began to fall into place. I should add that we began all this back in August.
The only thing you can't plan for is the weather. Unfortunately there was a snowstorm in one part of the city that prevented some family members from getting to us. Thankfully the weather did not impede our own travel, despite warnings of gale force winds in Bermuda on Saturday, the day we flew into Toronto! Her grandparents came with us as well - she hadn't seen any of us since September!
So, was she surprised?

I think you'll agree the answer is "Yes!"

As I think about everything we did over the last few months to make this night a success, I can easily relate this to the publishing of a book. Just like planning a good party, writing a novel takes work. Time and effort. But then, once all the effort is rewarded with a publishing contract, even more work begins. Just like my daughter's party, I want my book to be a success. I would love for it to be well-received, and for people to enjoy it. The only way for this to happen of course, is for me to do a lot of planning well ahead of time, to make sure Yesterday's Tomorrow is a success. It will require a plan, a team to come alongside me and help with promotion and talking up the book, and it will take time and effort on my part. But that's all part of the process, and none of this comes as a surprise.
The only thing I won't be able to plan is the weather. Note to self: Do not schedule book signings in the middle of winter anywhere that it snows.

What about you? Are you planning anything right now? How's it going?

How Did This Happen?

If you're a parent of teens or young adults, you're nodding your head and saying, "I know what you mean."
One minute you're changing diapers, the next you're standing in the airport waving as your daughter
leaves you once again for her last semester of first year university.
And no, I didn't cry this time! But I'm becoming increasingly aware that life with my children is changing.
My daughter is out of the house and my son has three more years left until he too goes to college.
I remember when I was in the midst of toilet training and temper tantrums thinking, "They don't make a handbook for this! I have no idea what I'm doing!"
Guess what? They don't make a handbook for this part either.
Older and wiser souls tell me to look forward to the empty nest. They actually smile and tell me how wonderful life is without children to run here and there. It will be MY time. Well, mine and hubby's.
While I can see that at some point I may believe that, I'm just not feeling it right now.
Not that I'm saying I feel the need to rush out and have another child, God forbid...it's just that...things are changing.
Metathesiophobia - Fear of Change. Who knew there was a name for it?
This is me. I happily exist in my own little world and I like it just the way it is.
Maybe that's pretty sad, I don't know.
It's not that I won't accept the changes however, it just takes me longer than the average person.
But change is good you say. Children are meant to grow up and leave the nest.
Yeah, I know.
But how many parents do you know, seriously, who don't grieve just a little bit that their babies are grown?
I'm allowed, right?
Well, I'm going to do it anyway.
I'm so grateful that God allowed me to be a Mom. He gave us two amazing children, and I'm truly excited to watch them emerge into adulthood, knowing we've done our job to the best of our ability. It's just a little strange to be on this new road of life, not knowing where the next turnoff is. When kids are young, you figure you've got at least twelve years of pretty standard routine ahead. When they're emerging adults, life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
Summer jobs, traveling plans, new friends and pretty soon...maybe even that one God has already prepared for them will come into the picture...but not too soon. Smile.
I'm not ready for the whole Grandma thing yet. Let me get used to the College thing first!
Ah, life. One exciting journey, isn't it?
God, thank You for my kids. Help me embrace the changes and be thankful for the times we can spend together, even if they're not as frequent, they're just as fun and meaningful. Bless all of us dealing with change. Fill our days with laughter and joy, and let us be grateful for the past, but hopeful for the future, with You leading the way.
Be blessed.
And pass the tissues. Takes me to blog when I get home from taking Sarah to the airport...
Will I ever learn?