I was planning to play a round of golf today. I was disappointed with the world around me and wanted a diversion. There were enough volunteers to drive me to the club. Rather strange I thought. I must tell you first that I don’t drive even though I own a vehicle (in name only). Number one reason I get lost! Number two reason I am medically condemned! These are the conclusions of my dear family. Therefore I am at the mercy of all my family who consider themselves expert drivers to drive me around at their convenience and not mine. Having said that and off my chest let me get on to narrate to you how I spent my golfing afternoon.

Oh yes all my golfing gear was packed into the car and after settling me in with great love and care they all piled in with the excuse that they were there to spend time with me to cheer me on. How gracious! It’s getting even stranger I thought. One never knows what’s next with my crazy family. Once we were on our way I settled down to my book and was soon lost in it.

Half way through my book I came to realize that it was taking too long to get there. I glanced out the window and the scenery was rather strange. I knew it! I was being kidnapped by my own family. Well, I thought, I will play along with their scheming tactics, I picked up my book which had fallen out of my hands, wiped my glasses and pretended to read, fuming with untold rage. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the scenery changing to a different terrain which was rather mountainous and wondered where in the world was I being taken to. Number three sitting beside me asked if my book was good. I just nodded and he couldn’t contain himself any longer started to laugh out loud. Number one was driving while my dutiful beloved sat beside him and the infection spread to them as well. I wondered what was so funny, guessing it was at my expense, but was determined not to ask. “Ma, have you been practicing a new kind of yoga with your eyes, that you have mastered the art of reading a book upside down?” he asked. Lo and behold I was holding my book up side down! I slapped him with it and continued reading, yet not reading a single word.

Half an hour later I guessed we had reached our mysterious destination. We were now driving through high wrought iron gates into a long and winding tree lined driveway. I wondered who owned this beautiful and enchanted place, and still pretending to read, continued to keeping silent, and nursed my annoyance at the way I was cheated into this trip. We finally came to a stop in front of a gorgeous colonial estate bungalow and guess who were there to welcome us? It was no other than our Number two and his wife, grinning from ear to ear. Oh what a lovely surprise and all my burning fury flying out the window, I got off to bear hugs and kisses I was so happy for them that this gorgeous place was theirs.

The family complete, we (rather me, while the others pretended) were shown around this lovely house and garden introduced to the staff and sat down to a scrumptious high tea. A delicious smelling and freshly baked cake was brought in with lighted candles chanting “happy birthday” to me. Then the bombshell – I was presented with a bulky envelope all wrapped up and tied with a gold ribbon and was asked to open it. Cautiously and with immense curiosity I peeped inside and saw some sort of legal documents. Gingerly I pulled them out and began to look through the file of papers. Page one was boldly inscribed in gilt letters “Thank You For Being A Wonderful And Caring Mom And Loving Wife” delving further I began to realize that it was the deeds to this lovely property all made out in my name and gifted to me by my most beloved family.

Last but not the least of all the surprises, the property had its own miniature golf course, tennis court and swimming pool! Today is my 60th Birthday. There were strict instructions sent around to my friends and family to keep away from wishing me till all this was done. The scheming brood! One by one the cars started rolling in with all my friends and family. None had forgotten me. Dinner was a barbecue on a spit built into a corner of the sprawling lawn

The air outside was balmy and a pleasant evening followed, toasted with champagne. Fortunately the house was large enough to accommodate the overnight guests in its sixteen well appointed guest rooms. It was the loveliest of all birthdays and I had the whole weekend to enjoy it all with my loved ones around me.