Words from a wallflower

Surprises have never been my forte. I either spill the beans or give enough hints with my nonexistent poker face. This held true for this weekend when I “surprised” my mom in Washington for her birthday.

I had been planning this trip with my stepdad since the beginning of August. Both of us dodged my mom’s questions that grew out of suspicion with little lies, but some of them didn’t line up. I thought I had kept it a secret for nearly a month, but she had caught on. Apparently her mom senses are too good for me.

Nonetheless, when I walked into the house past midnight on Friday morning, I still got a smile from her as she was walking down the stairs and a warming hug that I hadn’t gotten since I saw her two months ago.

My mom and I had this tradition when I was in high school where we would always go out on Friday afternoons to do something no matter how small it was. I have missed that tradition since I left for college, but this past weekend was one long Friday afternoon. Whether it was eating by the waterfront that we didn’t get to enjoy while living in Vegas or walking around stores for the smaller details that will complete their home, we were living like we were three years ago.

Four days wasn’t long enough to spend with her. It seems like the anticipation leading up to things and the adjustment period afterwards last longer than the things themselves. It’s unfortunate. I’m still grateful for those little moments I get to spend with my mom though, even if it’s as simple as watching a movie on the couch.

Waking up before the sun to fly to Denver wasn’t my first choice. The lack of sleep and the feelings of already missing my mom made for a less than spectacular combo, but her reaction to the gifts I left for her and the memories we made far outweighed the rest. The two of us are best friends in addition to being mother and daughter. We’re already planning my next trip…without the surprise this time.