Chapter 1: Unexpected Encounters

In an effort to keep my seven- and four-year-old sons entertained on Saturday afternoons, I often whisk them away from home. Sometimes, we explore local parks or go for a nature hike. On rainy days or when they're particularly fussy, I often reward them with treats from our favorite café. Occasionally, our outings serve a greater purpose, focusing on helping others rather than just playful distractions.

Recently, we volunteered at a nearby community garden during the late winter. The sun was shyly peeking through the clouds as my boys, bundled in their puffy coats, stomped to keep warm while one of the coordinators distributed tasks. With a playful wink, she mentioned we might encounter a surprise in the greenhouse.

To our astonishment, we found an elderly gentleman sitting on a paint bucket, diligently pulling weeds around the collard greens. Sporting a white beard, red suspenders, and a cheerful demeanor beneath his festive hat, he introduced himself as Santa Claus, complete with a hearty laugh.

My youngest was captivated, while my older son eyed him with skepticism. Was that laughter a bit forced? When Santa asked for their names, my older son quickly retorted, “Why don’t you already know?”

Santa explained that he delivers gifts at night and that children appear differently in daylight. My firstborn seemed to accept this, clearly impressed. Even seated, Santa was sharp-witted.

After our chat, we ventured into the chicken coop, where we encountered yet another unexpected surprise.

The rooster, named Prince, was striking with his vibrant red comb and black feathers. Upon spotting us, he let out a loud crow, as if demanding to know who we were.

My sons instinctively hid behind me.

The seven hens surrounding Prince added to the commotion as he grew more agitated, scratching at the ground menacingly.

“Dad, let’s get out of here!” they urged.

But just then, a new voice broke through the noise.

“Oh, hush, Prince baby!”

Instantly, the rooster quieted down. My boys and I turned in surprise to see a woman we hadn’t noticed before.

“Don’t worry about them, Prince. They’re here to help,” she said.

She introduced herself as Mae, dressed in faded overalls and fingerless gloves, with her braids flowing down from a colorful bandana. Balancing a bucket of corn on her hip, she smiled at my sons, who were still clinging to me. She gestured towards the hens and asked, “Who wants to feed these girls first?”

In unison, my sons replied, “Not me!”

Mae chuckled sweetly, her laughter reminiscent of wind chimes. Then she introduced the hens: Raven, who was entirely black; Honk-Honk, who made a comical noise; and Little Girl, the smallest of the bunch. After scattering corn on the ground, Mae picked up Little Girl and nuzzled her, causing the chicken to relax and coo softly. She encouraged my sons to pet her.

Reluctantly, they took a step back.

“It’s alright, I promise I’ll be right here,” Mae reassured them.

On our drive home, my boys were unusually quiet. I couldn’t help but reflect on our time with Mae—how my younger son grasped his brother’s hand, both taking a deep breath before they approached Little Girl. They giggled as they petted her, while Prince sulked nearby. Mae and I exchanged glances, both smiling as if it were Christmas morning.

As soon as we parked, my sons leaped from the minivan and dashed into the house, eager to share their adventure with their mother.

“Mom, Mom! You’ll never guess who we met…Mae!”

They eventually mentioned Santa, and I was reminded once again that — surprise, surprise — small moments can hold significant lessons, and chance encounters may be filled with meaning.

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Chapter 2: Life's Little Surprises

Enjoy the heartwarming "Surprise Surprise" song by Cilla Black, celebrating unexpected joys in life.

Experience the delightful moments in "Surprise, Surprise" as we discover the magic in everyday surprises.