Vinod is surprised

Have you ever been in one of those dreams where everything seems normal and then a flying car (or something equally crazy) comes out of nowhere? I’m used to having experiences like that when I’m dreaming, but it was quite surreal to have it during waking hours.

Mala and Kavi had gone ahead (surreptiously to plan a surprise party for someone else!). We were to meet at the ferris wheel at the Navy Pier. I found her and she took my hand. She started leading me through the crowds of tourists. I could sense excitement in her demeanor, but didn’t think anything of it. She led me towards a group of people and I caught a glimpse of someone who looked like my Dad. That’s weird… why would he be here? It’s at that point that neurons started to malfunction and I began to feel like I was in a dream. Then I saw Mala’s mom and got even more confused. Slowly the group of strangers came into focus and revealed themselves as my friends and family from around the country. It was, without a doubt, the best birthday present that I have ever received, or expect to receive. Thanks to Mala for months of planning, and for wanting to make me feel special even though I feel this way every day when I wake up next to her. Thanks to all my friends and family who could make it and to the ones who couldn’t. If this is the culmination of 40 years on this earth, I can’t wait for the next 40!

Vinod is 40