Caution: this post is not about aliens, religion, or unicorns.

I promise.

Once upon a time I popped up some place. Okay it happens often. That’s why my friends refer to me as Carmen Sandiego. Okay, let me try this again.

Once upon a time, I received a phone call that my dad was in the hospital. I was living over 13 hours from home and it bothered me that I couldn’t be there. My father was in the hospital the previous year but I had just returned to work after my accident so I wasn’t able to go home. Well, this time it was around his birthday and I said guess what I don’t care what my family says I’m going home.

I called two of my closest friends and told them my plans. One of them agreed that she would pick me up from the shuttle stop and take me directly to the hospital. Well, I missed my flight. The first time that’s ever happened! My direct flight had turned into a long layover. I was crushed. I just wanted to get home. Oh, you’re wondering where “conspiracy” comes in. The definition of conspiracy is to form a secret plan that’s typically to the detriment of someone. This wasn’t the case. It was a secret plan alright!

My other friend picked me up from the shuttle stop and drove me right on to the hospital. It was getting late and I wasn’t sure if they still had the rules of visiting hours so I was speed walking to the security desk. Received my dad’s room assignment and we were off (we referring to my luggage).

I got to my dad’s room. His door was cracked but I could hear him on the phone. I gently knocked and then opened the door. It was as if he had saw a ghost. Well, that’s actually what he said. He told the person on the other end, “man I gotta let you go my daughter just surprised me from North Carolina.” My dad instructed me to come over and give him some “sugar.” Anyone that knows my dad knows that was out of character for him. So, I knew that my “secret plan” had worked. My mom was overjoyed, and my siblings couldn’t believe I pulled it off.

My friends and I helped conspire a surprise visit for my dad. I will be forever grateful for that precious moment that I will never forget.

What are you #SteeleThankful for?