What ever happened to the surprise? I can remember as a kid, the world was filled with them. There were surprise parties, surprise trips, surprise tests (those weren't so welcome).
As we get older, it seems that the surprises became fewer and farther between. At least the good surprises. Maybe it's the process of aging. Maybe it's the proliferation of communication these days. After all, within minutes after someone says something, it seems the world knows about it. There are few real surprises anymore.
That's why right now, as I sit on an Alaska Airlines jet somewhere between San Francisco and Puerto Vallarta, I do so with a smile on my face at the surprises (yes plural) I pulled off during the past five days.
In early February, I got a call from my most excellent friend George Warren who told me that my most excellent former boss, Stacy Owen, was being relieved of her duties as news director at News10. In my opinion (and in the opinion of numerous TV station executives outside of News10 who know Stacy) it was one of the classic bonehead TV decisions of all time. She is one of the most savvy and respected TV news leaders in America. Nonetheless, for whatever reason, she was informed that her services were no longer needed. Feeling the loss, the employees of News10 who have an honest connection for Stacy (yes, employees respecting their boss) decided they would throw her a party. The party would be on Saturday, March 7.
I informed George that I was totally bummed that Stacy was leaving, and even more bummed that I wouldn't be there for the farewell bash. I wrote to Stacy, expressing astonishment over the events that had taken place. A few days before the party, I sent her another email telling her that I would have a margarita the night of the party and dedicate it to her while on the beach in PV.
Then, I went online, found a roundtrip ticket on Alaska for $319, and I made a decision. I would fly back to northern California, tell no one, and launch the surprise attack. The first victim though was not Stacy, but my mother.
I talked with my mom several times on the days leading up to my arrival … asked her what she was doing the next weekend ... seeing if she had any plans. And when she told me she would be home with nothing to do, I decided I need not tell her I'm coming. I'll just show up. Last Friday afternoon in my rental car, the day after I arrived at SFO, I drove to Nevada City. As I pulled onto my mom's street, I called her. My intention was to have her on the phone as I pulled into the driveway, have her open the garage door, and there I would be. But she didn't answer the phone. I quickly called her cell phone. Again, no answer. For a moment, I thought she was the one who would pull the surprise on me. I pulled down her driveway, got out of the car, and as I walked past her kitchen window, I could see the TV was on.
So, I rang the doorbell, and a moment later, with cell phone pressed against her ear, she answered the door looking like she had seen a ghost. "Oh, my God," she exclaimed to the person on the other end of the line." You won't believe it. It's your brother." Some people had warned me not to pull such a stunt. They were afraid my mom would have a heart attack. Fortunately, that didn't happen, but later she did tell me when she saw me at the door, she began to wonder if she was getting Alzhiemers! Surprise #1 completed.
Just before I flew to San Francisco on Thursday, I called George. Giving him no hint whatsoever that I was about to board a plane, I asked him how the party plans were going. Everything was great, he said. Since it was going to be in his backyard, he was getting patio heaters. Lot's of people were expected. He and he wife Sharon were getting lots of food. It was going to be a big party. I told him to be sure to say hi to all my friends and give Stacy a big kiss for me.
As we get older, it seems that the surprises became fewer and farther between. At least the good surprises. Maybe it's the process of aging. Maybe it's the proliferation of communication these days. After all, within minutes after someone says something, it seems the world knows about it. There are few real surprises anymore.
That's why right now, as I sit on an Alaska Airlines jet somewhere between San Francisco and Puerto Vallarta, I do so with a smile on my face at the surprises (yes plural) I pulled off during the past five days.
In early February, I got a call from my most excellent friend George Warren who told me that my most excellent former boss, Stacy Owen, was being relieved of her duties as news director at News10. In my opinion (and in the opinion of numerous TV station executives outside of News10 who know Stacy) it was one of the classic bonehead TV decisions of all time. She is one of the most savvy and respected TV news leaders in America. Nonetheless, for whatever reason, she was informed that her services were no longer needed. Feeling the loss, the employees of News10 who have an honest connection for Stacy (yes, employees respecting their boss) decided they would throw her a party. The party would be on Saturday, March 7.
I informed George that I was totally bummed that Stacy was leaving, and even more bummed that I wouldn't be there for the farewell bash. I wrote to Stacy, expressing astonishment over the events that had taken place. A few days before the party, I sent her another email telling her that I would have a margarita the night of the party and dedicate it to her while on the beach in PV.
Then, I went online, found a roundtrip ticket on Alaska for $319, and I made a decision. I would fly back to northern California, tell no one, and launch the surprise attack. The first victim though was not Stacy, but my mother.
I talked with my mom several times on the days leading up to my arrival … asked her what she was doing the next weekend ... seeing if she had any plans. And when she told me she would be home with nothing to do, I decided I need not tell her I'm coming. I'll just show up. Last Friday afternoon in my rental car, the day after I arrived at SFO, I drove to Nevada City. As I pulled onto my mom's street, I called her. My intention was to have her on the phone as I pulled into the driveway, have her open the garage door, and there I would be. But she didn't answer the phone. I quickly called her cell phone. Again, no answer. For a moment, I thought she was the one who would pull the surprise on me. I pulled down her driveway, got out of the car, and as I walked past her kitchen window, I could see the TV was on.
So, I rang the doorbell, and a moment later, with cell phone pressed against her ear, she answered the door looking like she had seen a ghost. "Oh, my God," she exclaimed to the person on the other end of the line." You won't believe it. It's your brother." Some people had warned me not to pull such a stunt. They were afraid my mom would have a heart attack. Fortunately, that didn't happen, but later she did tell me when she saw me at the door, she began to wonder if she was getting Alzhiemers! Surprise #1 completed.
Just before I flew to San Francisco on Thursday, I called George. Giving him no hint whatsoever that I was about to board a plane, I asked him how the party plans were going. Everything was great, he said. Since it was going to be in his backyard, he was getting patio heaters. Lot's of people were expected. He and he wife Sharon were getting lots of food. It was going to be a big party. I told him to be sure to say hi to all my friends and give Stacy a big kiss for me.
Stace & Dan
So, on Saturday evening, as I walked down the driveway and into the backyard at George and Sharon's home, I was no longer bummed I couldn't be at Stacy's party. I was truly amazed that I could pull off another total surprise. "Oh, my God," I heard for the second time in two days. "What in the hell are you doing here?" And from Stacy, "I can't believe it. I can't believe you're here." Followed by a huge kiss that George no longer had to deliver for me. People asked, "Why didn't George tell me you were coming?" Because I didn't tell him, which was hard to do because I tell him everything.
As fun as it was to pull off the surprise, more rewarding was the fact that I was able to see so many people that mean so much to me. While I've made it clear, I do not miss TV news at all, I do tremendously miss the people that I worked with for nearly 30 years. They are like family. It was truly a special night that I will remember for a long time.
And of course, it was great to see my family, which feels by moving to Mexico I have somewhat abandoned them. Not true. As is evidenced, I am only a few hours away and can show up when you least expect it. As my mom told me, it was one of the best surprises in her life. So, let go and put your imagination to work ... come up with a really good surprise … and don’t tell a sole about it.
It was 'a party'
3 comments:
Dan...what a wonderful story of surprise!
I'm so glad you made it back for Stacy's party..
Unfortunately I had a commitment I could not back out of..and by the time it was over..it was too late to stop by George's. I know your appearance meant a lot to Stacy, George and everyone.
Lots of love,
jen
One more reason to add to my why I love Dan Adams list. You were a great friend when I needed one and it will never be forgotten! Lots of love!
Heather
How can I NOT comment on this blog. The most beautiful thing about a surprise like this is the impact you have on the beneficiaries. You made a great night INCREDIBLE. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is being there.
xox
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