My best friend, Julie passed away from Cystic Fibrosis in 2015. I have the privilege of keeping in touch with the family especially her twin, Natalie. I consider her one of my closest friends and I love her dearly.
In early November, her dad texted me and told me that we were throwing a surprise party for Natalie. No other woman in the world deserves a surprise party more than her. She’s been through so much that she deserves all the joy in the world.
I arrived at the party very early because I didn’t want to interfere with the surprise. Well, I got there way too early! The staff was still setting up 500+ balloons and the acrobat was getting her things out as
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| Why not have the birthday girl on my lap? | |
well. Her dad went all out. About an hour after I arrived (yeah, I was really early), the guests started to come into the rectangular room. It was at Stereo Club in downtown Chicago. They had a slideshow of pictures of Natalie and Julie because we know that Julie is with us in spirit.
When we knew Natalie was coming, everyone went quiet. I stood behind her family with her best friend from college. I was so excited to see her register that everyone from her life was there. That’s the magic of a surprise party. Everyone comes purely for you.
The look on her face was a combination of shock and utter disbelief.
“Hannah Thompson. Hi, you’re here!” Natalie said.
She barely had time to process my presence when she saw that the whole club was full of people that loved her and her family. If you know that family, you’re blessed!
The whole night was crazy fun!
I’m glad I had that type of night because I tested positive for Covid five days later. I did not announce it on social media; I was busy sleeping and taking Dayquil. My disabilities DID NOT affect symptoms which I don’t take for granted. It has been 12 days after the first positive test; my symptoms are gone. I’m very safe to be around. I’m beyond sick of talking about Covid so please don’t e-mail me with concerns. I’m your happy, healthy Hannah and that is all that matters! I’ve been home for a long time…let’s party! Text me with an excuse to get out of the house!
Till Then,
Hannah!
