I spent a little over a week planning a surprise birthday party for my mom. I tried pretty hard to keep her in the dark and I succeeded for the most part but my mom tends to always just know things so, at the start of the day, she already called her sister to come over and eat food with the family.
I woke her up that morning with birthday songs and a pretty bag I bought for her. My nephews sang to her as well and then her phone just wouldn't stop ringing so I went back into my bedroom to make calls and ensure my cake vendors came when they were supposed to.
We had 3 cakes. My brother 
I made arrangements for 10 guests but as usual, my mom invited 20. I was pissed in the beginning but I just let it all play out. We had music provided by my dad and my cousin while I pretty much just tried to survive the entire day.
It was a very rainy day and even though our road got pretty flooded, the guests took off their shoes, walked in the rain and found their way to the house. For that determination alone, I couldn't stay mad. Although I did excuse myself from the pictures because I never take pictures at these events, I usually look like an underpaid maid because of how much effort I put into making sure everything goes smoothly and nothing gets broken.
It was an amazing day and my mom had a lot of fun. She had no idea I made all those plans so that made her pretty emotional.
I made a promise to myself that for the years my parents have left on earth, I'll make sure every year they have at least a birthday cake because they have a lot to celebrate and I can't take that for granted.
