Surprise parties are so fun, especially when the guest of honor has NO IDEA what’s about to happen when he or she walks through the door, finding a room full of cheering family and friends on the other side. Yesterday, that guest of honor was my brother. Ron is celebrating his 50th birthday and to make it extra special, his longtime love threw him an amazing party. Kathy even flew my nephew Nathan in from out of town for the big surprise.  She arranged it all so perfectly, taking advantage of one of my brother’s biggest passions to help pull off her secret plan: golf.   Ron plays on a league every Saturday morning and his buddies were all too happy to help navigate the birthday boy from their finished round and into the clubhouse where his adoring fans were waiting.  It was so fun for us all to see the happiness on Ron’s face when he walked into the room.

The party was filled with laughter, hugs, and some teary eyes as my nephew gave a heartfelt speech about what his Dad means to him and how he, a soon-to-be father himself, has learned so much from my brother’s example of unconditional love.

This is a big year for you baby brother. You’ve hit that half-century mark. You’re about to become a grandfather. And I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.  Happy, happy, happy birthday!  ( and kudos to Kathy and Nathan for giving you such a big and wonderful surprise! )

***  please check out the galleries section for more photos from Ron’s Surprise Birthday Party!