A Friend In Doral

The anticipated morning arrived

and I put her address into my GPS.

I smiled because I was headed

to a city named Doral

and I can't help thinking

of the movie Nemo.

It immediately brings Dory to mind

and "just keep swimmin', swimmin',

swimmin'"

It's Doral, I tell myself.

Not Dory.

I had asked her 

where she wanted to go

for her birthday

and she wanted breakfast 

at Krispy Kreme.

Navigating a new city is quite a challenge

but I was so happy 

to see her face 

as she was waiting for me

to pick her up at her apartment.

It's been a long time 

since I've taken a friend out 

for their birthday 

and I was thrilled to get to go out.

And go out for donuts no less!

How cool is that!

It was kinda like the amazing race

I mentioned as she navigated

while I drove.

And I parked and we walked in.

There was a case full of sugary goodnesses.

But a new donut caught her eye.

S'more donuts, 

with a marshmallow cream center.

And we both ordered one.

We also picked out another flavor.

We sat at a cozy spot

and then the fun of conversation began.

Asking questions about family

and life and the rich history 

and journey God has brought us on

is always a good place to start.

I'm pretty sure the donuts got into us

somehow as we chatted away.

A bit of a sugar rush hit

so both of the donuts got in.

I love birthdays where one 

can celebrate it all week long.

Birthdays should be 

at least a week long affair.

Today was this young lady's 

actual birthday.

And a couple days before,

I thought of something fun to do.

You see, this young lady

works at the Apple Store

located at the Mall I go to

to buy my monthly Nespresso stock.

I pass by a party store 

on the way there and made a pit stop

for a bouquet of balloons.

And fun to walk into the mall

and over to the Apple Store.

I peer in and see her

and hiding balloons behind me,

I sneak up beside her.

Surprise!

And bring out the bouquet 

and wish this dear young lady

a happy birthday.

A cool co-worker takes the opportunity

spontaneously to call out to all

in the store and announce 

this special ladies birthday.

It was the best moment.

Oh friend, thank you for the fun

of sharing your birthday today!

You are now twenty-three

and I am so happy 

you have been here

in Miami for two months.

Welcome to Miami Church

and South Florida! 

Next year you'll be 24 on the 24th.

But we won't rush that.

May you be abundantly blessed

this year with all of God's goodness!