[AccessD] Hey, it's Friday

Thanks for sharing this great story, Arthur.  And congratulations.

Regards
Steve

Arthur Fuller wrote:
> Last night was my 60th birthday, and about 25 of my friends had a surprise
> party for me. I was completely clueless about its occurrence. I have a
> favourite Indian restaurant in Toronto called Shalimar, owned and operated
> by a good friend called Khalid, and ironically, I decided that that was
> where I wanted to have dinner last night. So I booked a reservation, little
> knowing that the entire restaurant had already been booked. Khalid managed
> to keep a straight voice when I called. My friend Norma and my sister Clare
> came with me, and there's a great bookstore/recordstore next door which I
> insisted upon visiting, little knowing that there was a party awaiting me
> next door. This is a small restaurant (always a good sign), and when I
> walked in, I saw that the whole place had been re-arranged, a dozen tables
> united into one enormous long table, and as I scanned the occupants I
> realized bit by bit that I knew everyone at the table, and finally it dawned
> on me.
> 
> To break bread with good friends is a good thing. To find oneself as the
> centre of attention, so to speak, surrounded by good friends, is truly
> breathtaking -- and humbling. For some reason or other, I have a collection
> of quality people to call my friends. We had fabulous food, wonderful
> conversation and I even received some cool presents and cards. Forced at one
> point to stand and make a speech, all I could manage was to thank my friends
> for being my friends. I've known almost everyone in attendance for 30 or so
> years, some more. There were even emails from persons who could not attend,
> such as one of my oldest friends, Paul Grenkow, who teaches English in
> Beijing, who could not attend only because his wife was expected to give
> birth on the day.
> 
> I'm a lucky man. I have wonderful friends. But I do caution you to think
> carefully about holding a surprise party for 60yo people. The heart
> palpitations are unbelievable. On the other hand, what better way to go.
> 
> A.