Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday. But today? Today was magic.
It started off simple. Just the three of us, while our son was off cheffing his way through the kitchen. We had already bought her a present, but we told her we’d go on a little shopping spree, because, conveniently, her dad needed new walking shoes. Of course, she agreed to go, even though the idea of stepping out into the freezing cold was not exactly thrilling.
What she didn’t know was that we had a surprise waiting for her.
Now, my daughter is a girl of many talents. She can do a lot of things well, writing, drawing, language ( she would love to become a writer), but all of them step aside when it comes to her biggest love: music. She’s a phenomenal piano player with a voice that could melt hearts, and if there’s anything that defines her, it’s that passion.
Last year, she didn’t celebrate her Sweet 16. There were some family issues, and she just didn’t feel like marking the occasion. This year, she had the same mindset, another birthday, nothing special.
But I remembered something.
A while ago, she had posted a tattoo design she loved. A simple but powerful message: Music is in my DNA. At the time, she said she’d love to have it someday. And today? Today was someday.
So, halfway between our house and the shopping center, we made an unexpected stop. She looked confused, then completely overwhelmed when she saw where we were.
The tattoo shop.
The moment she realized, the tears started. Pure, raw emotion. I asked her if she still wanted it. What I got in response was a hug, a cry, and a big YES.
An hour later, she had her tattoo. But the day wasn’t over just yet.
Because in a turn of events no one saw coming, she asked her dad to get a matching one. Her dad, the man who always said he wasn’t a tattoo guy, the one who likes things practical, looked at her, smiled, and said yes. And just like that, they walked out of the shop with matching tattoos.
It wasn’t the day we planned, but it was the day that was meant to be. A moment of spontaneity, love, and connection that couldn’t have been scripted better if we tried.
And in the end, we did manage to check everything off our to-do list. The shoes were bought, the birthday was celebrated, and the day turned into something unforgettable.
Tomorrow, she turns another year older. The day after, my husband celebrates his birthday. He always says she was his best birthday present. And today? She gave him a piece of her passion to carry forever.
Sometimes, the best days are the ones you don’t plan at all.
