I was sitting at my desk, counting down to the end of the day when the Executive Assistant walked over to me.

With glee in her voice she said, “you have a package. Open it.”

“From who?”

I was skeptical. I couldn’t imagine who would send me something, especially at work. I had no clue from the packaging. The only return address belonged to a company.

I hesitantly peeled the tape back and pulled out a box that said holiday cheer. Attached to it was a card that read, “Here’s to the bravest, kindest person I know. Love, Jenn Q”

My cube mates asked, “what is it? Who is it from?”

“A friend of mine from college who I haven’t seen in at least 20 years. She is one of the most talented, smart and creative people I’ve known. She sent a gift, brownies, to me. I can’t believe it. This is amazing. It’s the only gift I’ve gotten for my birthday and it comes from a woman who really knows that friendship knows no distance and timeframe.”

My eyes watered as I stared at the row of brownies and smiled. I was also shocked that she purchased my gift from a company that helps build playgrounds with Kaboom. It’s the same one my company’s volunteer group, the one I belong to, helps.

A few seconds later I realized it wasn’t the only thing I received for my birthday. I got more than 153 well-wishes online and dozens more in person. Some of those people even granted my birthmas wish by buying my memoir for themselves or someone else. Still, Jen’s surprise was the sweetest of all.

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