An email that made my day...

I receive hundreds of emails every day. No exaggeration. Email is a wonderful way to make communication more efficient, and at the same time email can be a curse beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Most emails I receive require me to respond in some way. Some I can immediately delete. Some I need to save for future reference. But almost none of the emails I receive cheer me up, make me laugh, or improve the quality of my day. This one was an exception.

A little background: Tuesday was Darrin's 26th birthday, and he had been sick for several days. He still wasn't feeling great, but being the good sport he is he agreed to go with McKenna to a belated birthday celebration for her father. I think the email will explain the rest.

From: Miedema, Darrin [mailto:Miedema.Darrin@principal.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 9:30 AM
To: 'McKennaSprague@wellsfargo.com'; Altmaier, Greg; 'Justin Meyer'; 'Allison Meyer'; Miedema, Felicia A; 'ALLEN L FELICIA MIEDEMA'
Subject: Best Birthday Ever...

Okay, so I just need to tell you guys how awesome and special yesterday was to
me. I still can't believe it. I've never really been super into birthdays...so I wasn't really expecting anything. But you guys absolutely blew me away!

Thanks Mom and Dad for working with McKenna to surprise me with dinner...and for the sweet clothes from Von Maur!

Thanks Justin and Allison for letting us have a million people at your house, and for TOTALLY selling me on thinking we were just stopping by for coffee, and for the SWEET camera! Incredible present, and very timely. (Way to pay attention Justin! I didn't even know I wanted a camera...but then you got me one, and I'm like, "whoa, yeah I totally want a camera!") And thanks Allison for suggesting the restaraunt...very classy. :)

Thanks G-Unit for basically straight up punking me...HARD. You were the key element in making me believe that there were no further surprise shenanigans after dinner...so what I'm saying is, thanks for lying to my face multiple times throughout the day. Also, thanks for the two best birthday cakes I've ever had...I don't even know which one I liked more....the fighting jungle animals were awesome...but I also love the Pack...can't even decide. And thanks for taking that beautiful portrait of Schreiner, I will forever treasure that. (probably gonna tag you on facebook in it)

McKenna....where to start... Thanks for putting all of this craziness together. Thanks for creating an elaborate enough scheme to actually surprise me! Wow...complex. Thanks for gathering so many people that I love and care about...that was so exciting and encouraging. Thanks for the amazing gifts. Most of all...thank you for loving me! Thank you for being patient and kind and thoughtful and considerate...thank you for being in my life! I love you! :)

I love all you guys so much!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! :)

Darrin Miedema
Defined Benefit Specialist - DRS08

Some days actually make you feel good about being a mom - this was definitely one of them. Thank you, Darrin, for loving us.