Las Vegas, NV: I called my Dad in February. “Dad,” I said cautiously, “I have an idea I need to run by you.” The idea itself came to me four years ago, when my parents were turning 60. Thanks to my around-the-world promo trip, I had accumulated enough frequent flier points to send my parents and their best friends to Ireland. I was so grateful to have an opportunity to give them such a gift (and without it costing me my life savings), but I wondered how I would ever be able to match it in the future. It was while looking through their beautifully touristy pictures on their return that I realized what the next BIG gift would be a few years down the road. (When I was able to build up my miles again.)
But now it was time to run it by the person I had hoped would become my cohort in the plan.
“So, you know how Mom is turning 64 this year,” I continued. “And how she’s a huge Beatles fan…” I could hear him verbally nod over the phone. “Well, in honor of the whole “when I’m 64” theme, I was thinking of taking her to London to celebrate.”
I wasn’t sure of what the reaction would be on the other end. I had enough frequent flier points for just two tickets and could only swing one night hotel room in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Plus, I thought it would be fun if it were a girls’ weekend, but didn’t want to make him feel bad that he wouldn’t be crossing Abbey Road with us. I held my breath as he responded.
HUGE sigh of relief! This is exactly what I was hoping for and now the plan was officially on!
Over the last month and a half, my Dad and I have been researching and brainstorming and in typical me-fashion, I have been preparing a packed-full itinerary. But the best part of the planning was figuring out HOW to tell her. With the boy’s help (and by help, I mean I told him what I wanted it to look like and he did it all), we created a short video to explain the entire trip to the tune of, naturally, “When I’m 64.” It was so much fun to make and is – at least at this point – more exciting than the trip itself!
But then, I had to wait until her actual birthday – which was 36 days from when we made it – to show her.
(NOTE: do you know how much sleep I’ve lost over the anticipation of seeing the look on her face when she watches the video?! I’m exhausted!)
Luckily, today, on this 64th celebration of my Mom being born, I was finally able to show her. Via our skype date this morning (thanks again to my partner in crime for setting that up!), I watched her watch it. And although it did almost kill me to wait 36 days (which, ironically, is how old I just turned), to see the look on her face was totally worth it.
And now that she’s seen it, I can show everyone else! Enjoy the best-homemade-video-I’ve-ever-created-for-my-mom’s-64th-birthday:
Happy birthday, Mum (I’m practicing my British-speak)! Here’s to the best 64th birthday you or I will ever have. ☺
