What started out as a little surprise…turned into one of the best surprises I have yet to experience.

I woke up one morning to find that my dad had made a dinner reservation at my absolute favorite restaurant in the entire world. Usually, I have to wait for my birthday or special occasions because it is a fancier restaurant (I should have suspected something…but I just thought of it as a lovely little surprise).

When it came time for dinner, I was all giddy and walking with pep in my step as I approached the restaurant. I was completely unaware of what was about to happen. (But, every other person in my family knew and did a very good job at keeping this secret from me.)

Still at a bit of a distance, I crossed the street towards the restaurant and saw a boy sitting on the bench outside the restaurant that reminded me very much of my best friend, Colin, who lived just minutes from me back in Georgia. I took notice that this boy sitting on the bench was even wearing something that Colin would wear. And I got a bit sad thinking about how I missed him.

But, then, as I was getting closer I realized that this boy was looking more and more like Colin. I said out loud, “Wait…are you kidding me?!” The boy turned to face me and sure enough…it was Colin. He flew all the way to Nantucket to surprise me for an early birthday present!!

I am so so happy to have him here!