Author: rickohikes

“You have to come home next weekend. We’ll help you pay for your flight, but we all think you need to be here!”

That was the conversation I had with my sister a little over a week ago. She phoned me out of the blue to let me know that instead of the low-key dinner we usually have for our parents’ birthdays, my dad’s birthday was going to be a big event. Epic, even. And since I live in Calgary, I hadn’t yet heard about the details. It turns out that Verene, Ry and Rob had discussed, and they decided a big surprise party for my dad, Ed, was in order.  There would be lots of family, friends and work colleagues. I’ve lived out in Calgary for almost 4 years, and I’ve missed many occasions for obvious reasons, but I knew that this party was not one I could miss. So the next day, I arranged the time off and booked a flight to Toronto. Yay!

The party was Friday night and I arrived in the afternoon in the midst of the party planning craze. The level of details for organizing the event was impressive, and to watch Ry, Rob, Verene, Bruce and my mum take charge of the situation and pull everything together for the party was amazing. We got into the party room at my brother’s condo at 5, and had a few short hours to set everything up. Dishes were heated: Trinidadian curry goat, pepper shrimp and roti, as well as BBQ roast pork, chicken fried rice and other Chinese dishes. Guests started to arrive around 6:30 and we still had lots to arrange! Thankfully everyone was gracious and offered a helping hand.

The plan: Rob would bring my dad to Ry’s condo for a nice dinner. They would park in another lot and then Ry would have to swing by the recreation area to pick something up. Ver and mum would meet them at the condo. There were delays. Guests were still arriving. We were all running around. But right before they arrived, we gathered everyone together and dimmed the lights. The stage was set. My dad had absolutely no idea, and the shocked look on his face was priceless. There was so much enthusiasm when everyone yelled “Surprise!!” It’s something we won’t ever forget. Afterwards, the food was plentiful; the sounds of conversations and laughter filled the room; the cakes and desserts were extremely tasty; and everyone was merry. It’s always great to have loved ones together… to eat, chat and be merry. These are the important things in life. And importantly, my dad had a wonderful time!

When I think back on what my parents have done to ensure that their children had the best upbringing possible, I realize that a lot of sacrifices were made. As a single income family, my dad and mum uprooted their lives in Trinidad, where my dad had a good job, we had a nice house, and we were surrounded by lots of family and friends. The weather was quite nice too. My dad had the foresight to realize that Canada would provide much better opportunities for the children, and so, we moved to Milton, Ontario. I was 7 at the time, and we’ve lived in the same house ever since. The years growing up in Milton would prove to be awesome. I can only imagine what it’s like to be a father and do anything and everything possible for your family. And then to watch them all turn out just fine and remain a close-knit group of siblings has to be a great feeling.

To my dad: Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me and the family, from being incredibly supportive of who I am and the crazy schooling and adventures I’ve pursued, to just being there for mum and your kids. On behalf of the ‘children’, we love you very much. You’ve always put your family first. I hope to instil the same work-ethic and provide the same support to my kids someday.

But that day is not today. I’m too young to have children.

Happy Birthday!