Operation Julien a Success

At my class on Thursday, one of the questions they asked of us students is what you are most proud of. I answered -- I am a self made person.

If they would have asked me right at this point, I would say this.

"I am most proud of my relationship with my family. Because I have a good relationship with my family-- my husband, my son, my daughter and my exchange student son and because of the love we share, and the trust we have, we were able to execute a surprise party for Julien's 17th birthday.

Yes, he was surprised.
Yes, just about every friend came.
I want to write what happened,
but what happened isn't the important part.

I mean we had some of the party at the icecream shop with a DJ and Kareoke. Then we all went back to the house. Ya, that was cool. But that is not what was important.

What was, is, important is that it was a collaborative effort between his friends and us. What is important is that he had fun. He knows we care. His friends know this is a safe place. They can hang here and it's not a big deal.

We are a family unit now. We have a relationship that can't be denied. Yep, there are things that aren't in your usual family relationship. The step thing, the AFS thing, the crazy mom thing even the grumpy Jim thing. But we are a family-- if I ever doubt the power of this family I can doubt no more.

I was very impressed with his friends. I was impressed with him. I was very impressed with Jim and Zach and Elizabeth

I am truly blessed. I know you've heard this from me before. But this could have turned out a lot differently. He could have reacted poorly. The guests could have been, well, less than respectful. My "own" family could have been jealous. It wasn't at all like that all.

It was wonderful.

In my eyes, it was perfect.

I hope his friends felt that.
I hope he felt that.
I hope he continues to feel that for his stay with us.

Happy 17th birthday Julien. We love you. Thank for being who you are. Know that everyone who came today, and even those who couldn't make the party, love you for who you are!

We sure do!