A Surprise Birthday

By:  Hillary Stone

When I stepped out of my car on January 30 the air was cool and crisp.  It was dark, with only the street and sidewalk lights lighting up the parking lot.  I smelled something very familiar in the air.  It was a comforting smell.  I knew what it was right away.  It was the smell of shrimp, little red potatoes, spicy sausage, and corn boiling in hot and tangy spices.  This is the smell of a Lowcountry Boil.  This is one of the many smells of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.  This is one of my favorite meals.  It is something my dad cooks for our family at home. 

            As I walked closer to the red brick apartment complex I noticed that I recognized the people standing around the tailgates of two white Ford trucks.  I first noticed my tall boyfriend, Tyler, stirring a big metal pot.  I then see his two roommates helping with food preparation.  In another direction I recognize some of my girlfriends laughing and talking. 

            Walking closer to the group of people I can feel the heat from the propane cooker and everyone gathers around and yells, “Surprise!”  I am sure I turned blood red because I got a little embarrassed and I did not know what was going on.  I do not necessarily like to have all the attention focused only on me.  Tyler comes over and gives me a big hug and says, “Happy Birthday!”

            I could not believe it!  I did not know what to say.  My mind was a little confused because I could not understand why everyone was gathered for my birthday.  My birthday was actually three days before.  Everyone was so happy to be there for me. 

            After the initial shock was over, Tyler came over to me and put his arm around me and whispered in my ear, “I love you.”  He was the one who did all the planning, food preparation, and organizing.  I could not believe it!  My boyfriend, of almost three years, threw me a surprise birthday dinner.  Up until that day I had never had anyone do something so special for me.  Tyler had contacted all of my friends, bought and prepared all of the food, and cleaned his apartment just to surprise me and make me happy.

            What a great evening!  Tyler brought two things that I love together:  close friends and the Lowcountry.  For me, these two things are so important. 

            Isn’t this what bring in love is about?  Isn’t this what being in a relationship of any kind is about?  When you love someone there is always give and take.  This, to me, was a big give.  No one has ever thrown me a surprise birthday dinner before.  This is probably one of the nicest and caring things anyone has ever done for me.  I am so lucky to have friends who care so much for me, but I am especially thankful for a boyfriend who puts me before himself, even if it is just for one night, and wanted to make me happy.  My 22^nd surprise birthday dinner is something I will never forget.  I will always be thankful for Tyler’s kindness and love.