My husband is going to be marking a major birthday soon.  I would like to commemorate this event by having a surprise party for him. A quiet, reserved man, he certainly would not appreciate a large “todo.” The list of invited guests will stay simple…our immediate family and a few of our closest friends.  Because my birthday boy has everything he could possibly need and since he would be extremely uncomfortable by opening presents, I have asked everyone to bring a humorous card for him and, if they want, to make a donation to their favorite charity in his honor.

I plan to host this surprise birthday party at our home.  We have a very roomy yard which is well suited to entertaining.  There is plenty of room for our parents and siblings to sit comfortably on the patio, as well as a nice lawn for the younger children to cavort. Decorations will consist of connectingstrings of brightly colored patio lights, which will also illuminate the area nicely.  Easy-listening music will be heard via speakers from our outdoor CD player to create an ambience of serenity.

In the past, finding suitable birthday refreshments has been a challenge because my husband is not a lover of cake.  I have substituted with various treats like pudding cups, chocolate chip cookies, and candy bars.  Since this birthday has such significance, I have chosen a decadent turtle cheesecake to take the place of the traditional birthday cake.  The crunchy, salted pecans and rich chocolate and caramel swirls which drizzle over the creamy cheesecake will be a treat my husband will find scrumptious.  It’s a delicious alternative that will satisfy all of our guests’ cravings.

(Later, now.)  Upon completion of the plans, the eagerly anticipated date of my husband’s birthday party celebration has finally arrived.  As luck would have it, the evening is beautiful…clear skies, sparkling stars, warm temperature, and a light breeze.  As I excitedly lead my husband outside in the pretense of taking a stroll around the garden, our loved ones surprise him by singing “Happy Birthday” to him.  I hold the turtle cheesecake as he proceeds to blow out lots and lots of candles.  As each guest takes their first mouth-watering bite, they rave about how delicious the turtle cheesecake tastes.  My husband whole-heartedly agrees.  He thoroughly enjoys this birthday cake substitution.

The surprise birthday party I planned for my husband turned out to be exactly what he likes most…a simple get-together with our family; enjoying the easy banter among loved ones; appreciating the time spent in each other’s company.  He laughed at the funny cards, romped in the grass with the children, teased his brothers, and especially savored his birthday cheesecake.

When the party ended and everyone had gone, my thoughtful husband thanked me profusely (and I think sincerely) for having the kind of party he truly could enjoy.  I asked him if he had any idea about the surprise.  He replied, “I kind of suspected something was going to happen”.  At least the exceptional turtle cheesecake was a surprise!