“Please, pass me the balloon,” Lux whispered as her hands stretched towards the ceiling.
The party buzzed gently with cheerful music and radiant smiles, but inside Lux’s chest, there was only silence. A silence that could only be filled with that balloon. She didn’t care about the balloon’s color or how perfectly it matched the guest’s attire. She only needed it because of the note she’d tied to it.
A note she had meant for just one person to read.
While she stared keenly at it, a hand gently touched her shoulder. She turned – and there was Maxwell, her brother. Before she could speak, he said, “The Event Co. How’s it going? Are we ready to kick off the party?”
Just as he stood expecting her response, a stunning woman in a purple attire and silver heels approached. In unison, they said, “Hi, Mummy”.
She responded, “My sugarplums! How are you? How’s it going? Are we ready? Should I…”
“Mummy, everything is set”. Maxwell cut in with a satisfied smile, lifting his chin. He gestures towards his sister. “Lux has been doing a great job here. Right, Mum?
“Oh, yeah, darling. She has”. Mum replied and gave a heartwarming smile to Lux.
Lux smiled sheepishly and said with quiet confidence, “I am the event manager here, let me give the highlights of my task. But honestly, I’ve gotten my accolades, so there isn’t so much to say – everything worth saying is right before your eyes”.
Maxwell burst into laughter. “Now that’s some serious nerve!”
Then he turned to their Mum. “So, when will the man of the day arrive? I’m sure he’s still busy sorting out the table or buying new stuff for his babies”.
Mum chuckled. “Cheeky boy! He should be…Oh, here comes the Gentle Giant”.
Mr. Mark—father to Lux and Maxwell— is known for his commitment and love to his family and others. He wasn’t just the provider, he was the strength behind every smile, the hand that held the home steady.
Just like any other day, he wanted to get home quietly and get some rest. But stepping inside, he was met with a bustling environment that left him dazed.
He paused for a while, gazed around, and stood puzzled – almost concluded that he had stepped into the wrong house.
As his eyes darted around the room in search of what to do next, Mrs Mark approached him with a gentle smile, handed him a bottle of water, and said, “My love, just relax”.
The first round of snacks got served – plates of samosa, puff-puffs, and some peppered chicken. Amid the warmth of shared bites, the DJ tuned to the song titled “Omemma” by Chandler Moore.
Instantly, Mr. Mark got on his feet and started dancing to the song. His wife joined him on the stage as his children started mimicking him.
“Are you sure this is my father?” Maxwell asked
Lux grinned. “My dear, of course! That’s our Papa.
Mr. Mark danced till the song ended, and while he was about to sit, Lux stepped forward, placing a chair at the center of the room.
“Dad, please sit here,” she said warmly. “There’s a floating note written specifically for you and I would like you to read it right here”.
Mr. Mark smiled and replied, “I’m here for you, baby”. Everyone laughed as it wasn’t a common word used by him.
Lux released the special balloon into the air. As it floated down, a note tied to its string fell into her father’s hands.
He sat quietly, gazing at it. The room quieted.
Moments passed, then a single tear slid down his cheek.
“Awwnn… Papa, please read it out loud!” Maxwell urged warmly.
Mr. Mark sighed and began to read:
Dear Father,
Thank you for being a Leading Light. For the countless hours you sit in quiet sacrifice so we can stand strong for years. For the daily prayers you shower on us, shaping us to become all that God desires. I’m always in awe of your desire to see every one of our dreams come true.
Thank you, Papa, for loving our mother. Thank you for bringing my brother and me into this world.
Though you correct and discipline us when our attitudes are wrong, we are always at peace with your guidance—we know it is leading us to a better life.
Just the other night, Maxwell and I were debating who would be the greatest in the family, and you carefully pointed us to Matthew 20:26. That moment will stay with me. Thank you, Daddy.
You didn’t expect this, but we’re so glad we could put together even this small token to show our appreciation.
Our Bounteous Sire—the blessing that you are – reaches everyone you encounter. May the Lord continue to keep you.
We love you dearly, Dad.
With love,
Lux and Maxwell.
As he finished reading the note, Lux and Maxwell stepped forward and gave him the warmest hug.
Mrs. Mark, unable to hide her playful jealousy, said with a smile, “Dear husband, my note is hidden in the special room where only you are allowed to find it. After the party, I will direct you there”.
Mr. Mark chuckled, “Indeed, God has truly blessed me.”
The party quietly continued, gifts were exchanged, and everyone eventually departed for their various homes leaving the blessed family to bask in the joy of the evening.
