Life in My World – Surprise, Surprise, Surprise. Which Has Now Turned Into a Monday Memory

Oh dear.  Stop.  Please don’t keep imagining.  I did it again.  Now I know exactly what Cali meant.

One day, shortly before she turned eight years old, we were discussing her birthday.  I explained that she would receive a really special birthday present from Grandpa and Grandma Payne – which was true; they always gave their grandchildren a set of scriptures on their eighth birthday.  Cali was excited to not only be getting presents, but a special one. Her birthday came and went and I forgot about our conversation until a few years later when I told her I had a surprise for her.  She said, “No surprises, Mom. Just tell me what it is; my imagination is always bigger than your surprises.” She continued, “Remember when I turned eight and you told me I was going to get a special surprise from Grandpa and Grandma?  I was so excited.  I thought and thought of what could be really special and I decided they must be getting me a swimming pool (Olympic-size of course, because that one, she doesn’t dream small).  I knew a swimming pool would be a really special surprise.  Can you imagine my disappointment when I opened a box with scriptures in it instead?  Very.  No surprises for me Mom, your surprises just can’t match my imagination.”

I’ve done it again.  I told you I had a third surprise and now after just getting off the phone with a friend who called with great enthusiasm, “What is it?!  I’ve been wondering.  What is it?!”  And having two friends ask me at church yesterday what it was, I realize my surprise can never match my good readers’ imagination any more than it could match Cali’s.  I’m almost embarrassed to show it now.  I think I’d better try and think up a new surprise.  Anybody got a swimming pool they want to give away?