My 16th Birthday Surprise

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Hello! Today, I'm going to talk a little bit about my 16th birthday and the surprise I had waiting for me. In Minnesota, you can get your drivers license the day you turn 16, which to any teenager means independence. I, like many other teenagers, was dreaming that for my 16th birthday I would be receiving a car for my birthday.

Of course, I knew this wasn't likely to happen. My parents had told me that it wasn't going to happen. My older brother didn't get a car for his 16th birthday, so why would I?

Of course, I dreamed. I hoped. And in the back of my mind, I thought that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that for my 16th birthday I would be receiving a new car. I even had it all picked out- I wanted a brand new, 2006 Mustang. Of course, I would settle for a variety of other cars- but a mustang was what I really wanted.

So, the morning of my 16th birthday I had scheduled my drivers test for 8:30 AM. There was no school that day, so I got to sleep in a little bit before heading out to take my test. As soon as I woke up, I remembered it was my birthday and that maybe, just maybe, there would be a car parked out front! So I flew out of bed and peeked out the window… and there, in my driveway, was a brand new mustang! Beautiful, black, freshly washed, and looking really good. I could already see myself driving around town in this new car, all of my friends jealous that I had actually gotten a car for my birthday.

I decided that I should play it cool while I ate breakfast- after all, I didn't want to spoil the surprise with my parents. I was positive that they wanted to be there when I walked outside to check out my brand new car. So, I headed down to eat some breakfast before leaving for my test. As soon as I finished with breakfast, my Mom tossed me the car keys and said "hey Sam, why don't you go warm up the car before we leave for your drivers test?"

…ding ding ding! It was time! I put my coat on, and got ready to put on my surprise face. I calmly walked out the front door, and rounded the corner- and right there was my brand new car! But, why were there two cartons of cigarettes in the front seat? And why was my Mom not looking out the front door to see my reaction?

At that exact moment, my Dad and his friend walked around the corner, and that is when I knew. This wasn't my brand new, beautiful car. This was his brand new, beautiful car-- that I had heard about, and knew he bought, but just hadn't seen yet.

So much for getting a car on my 16th birthday! Has anyone else ever had an experience like this?

**A little side note, I did have a wonderful 16th birthday with my family and friends. I don't remember what we did, what presents I received, but I do remember that it was great to be surrounded by the people that love me. And who needs a car when you have that?! It also took me about five years to tell my parents this story. **