One of my clients (I'll call him Tom) has been talking about how his older brother is coming home for Christmas. His brother is stationed in Cambodia, and he hasn't seen him in 15 months. My first day of work, Tom told me about how he was going to the airport with his parents and grandmother, and how excited he was that he would be able to spend time with his brother, through New Year's day. All last week Tom kept saying 'I can't wait until the 19th or 20th!'

Well, Friday, we find out that his brother is coming in on the 18th, and he decided he was going to come to our office to surprise Tom. We were all so excited. Last night I laid in bed, willing it to be today.

Today.

This morning, Tom comes in, and starts talking about his brother, and how it is only 2 more days before Thursday. The rest of us are smiling, practically bursting with excitement, because we KNOW today is THE day. I didn't want to use the bathroom, for fear that as soon as I sat down, his brother would show up. I didn't want to make phone calls, I didn't want to do anything but stare out the front door, waiting for his brother. And he's not even my brother. I can only imagine how Tom felt!

So, we had someone staking out the front door, and when his brother pulled up, we all ran over by Tom, camera ready, bursting.

His brother walked within 10 feet of Tom before he looked up and saw him. Tom looked at someone else, then looked back at his brother. He stood up, and said 'Is today Thursday?'

He was so surprised.He was speechless! He started introducing everyone to his brother, and when his mother told him we had all kept it secret, he was again surprised, saying he was going to get us all back for this. Finally he said, 'Am I dreaming?'

My eyes filled, because I was so happy for him. I had looked forward to the look on his face since Friday. And it was priceless. It was the best surprise I've seen in awhile.