Australian Birthday Surprise

by Layla
(Australia, NSW, Sydney)

A family tradition of ours, which sort of just happened is that for the person whose birthday it is, that day gets excused from any house chores and is served upon from willing siblings. Although I don't think this was ever so for my parents.

Breakfast is usually special, something like pancakes, jaffles or a Lebanese breakfast dish called 'fatteh.' Celebrations are usually kept small, with a few close family members to share a cake and enjoy each other's company. In terms of gifts, my parents often buy us something that we have been hoping to receive. Often it is through our very strategic hints.

One particular birthday, I was turning 13. Feeling quite the teenager, I woke up eager to see what the day had in store. As usual, I made it a point to remind everyone that it was my birthday. To my dismay nobody took much notice.

We were going sight seeing that day, as we were on vacation at my auntie's holiday home in Gerroa, NSW. Through out the day, no one paid me much attention. I was even left behind with the parents, as my siblings and their cousins went shopping. I felt quite annoyed. It was my day to feel special and so far I had been ignored.

I was feeling upset, so that night a family friend took me for a swim at the 7 mile beach down the road. I spent much of the time expressing very colorfully how outraged I was with my family.

As we made our way back home, I noticed all the lights were off. We went through the door and were met with "SURPRISE!!" The house had been decorated with balloons, streamers, and my family was huddled together smiling at my shocked expression.

Wet and cold, I made my way around the room looking around in disbelief. The dining table was completely covered with every lolly, chips, cake and food that I could have hoped for. There were gifts waiting to be opened, music was playing and everyone was having a good time.

After a quick shower and a moment to slap off the guilt and take back all the nasty things I said, I was able to appreciate how loving my family was and enjoy the night. Boy was I was ready to PARTY!!!