Imagine my surprise...

Last night, I had the most awesomest of surprises ever...So what? It's a double superlative - kiss my grits... :-)

My dear friends Pam and Tim had arranged for us all to get together to discuss final preparations for the big benefit being held at the Rail Station Bar and Grill today on my behalf. The plan was to meet for dinner at LaCasita Restaurant in Columbia Hts so that I could take advantage of my free birthday dinner (my "49th + 1" birthday is next Saturday).

http://magicoftouch2.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-3-days-away.html

Imagine my surprise when Tim and I arrived at LaCasita and I see sitting at the table - amongst the other guests - my dear and sweet grandmother from Florida. Pam and her daughter Malorie came up up with the idea a few weeks back to bring Granny here to Minneapolis as a surprise for me.

Granny has been my dearest and sweetest relative throughout my entire life and - since both my parents and all my siblings have passed away - the only "immediate" family I have left. In her mid 90's, Granny is still a dynamic individual and still very full of life.

I had not seen Granny for more than 12 years now, and even though we keep in touch via phone and writing, the years have kept us physically apart.

How wonderful of Pam and Malorie to arrange to bring Granny up here in time for my benefit tomorrow (and for my "49th + 1" birthday). My dear friends Tim and Carol were also wonderful to be a part of this "secret" arrangement.

This is Granny's first trip ever to the Midwest. Today she will join us for the benefit being held on my behalf at the Rail Station from 1 - 3 PM and then she will also be joining us for BARGO tonight at 8 PM. How awesome is that?

I know it will be so wonderful to spend time with her. She has always been such a special influence in my life.

Thank you guys for such an absolutely wonderful surprise!