Have you ever given a gift so perfect that you're sure you felt even happier giving it than the person who received it?

There's definitely been a few times in my life where I've given gifts and felt fabulous about how thoughtful and perfect it was but never has giving a gift felt more pleasurable than throwing my friend Sheri a 40th birthday party.

I started planning her party about three and a half months early.  Sheri is the kind of person that knows people from all walks of life and all ends of the earth.  She has an email distribution list longer than the Constitution - so in early October when she sent out a mass email and didn't hide any email addresses it was the perfect opportunity for me to do a 'reply to all' (of course taking Sheri off) and tell people to Save The Date - January 24, 2008.  During the ensuing months I secured a venue and our friend's band, collected all the rsvp's, solicited scrapbook contributions, ordered the decorations, enlisted friends to make a cake, etc...  Sheri also has a big family (she's one of six) that she loves more than anything in the world - and to top off these fabulous plans 10 of her family members were traveling to town for the event!

The surprise party was spectacular and everything went off without a hitch.  Sheri was absolutely floored that so many people came to celebrate her 40th birthday with her - her happiness and gratitude was overflowing.

An odd thing happened to me the next day - I felt sad.  I didn't even realize it until my husband called me at the store and said "You sound sad" (this to a person who is almost never sad) - and I said, yes, I guess I am.  I felt sad but really didn't know why.

Over the next few days I was trying to figure out why I had been sad and I finally realized that it was because the party was over.  Isn't that the weirdest thing?  It wasn't even my party! 

But I think I figured it out.  Sheri is one of those super special people - she is kind, compassionate, fun, selfless, loving.  She is always, always looking for ways to bring a little happiness into people's lives.  She is also extremely grateful - always thanking me, and everyone, for even the simplest of things.  So when I had the opportunity to bring so many people together that love her - to celebrate her - to watch her cup overflow (so to speak) - it was the most awesome feeling in the entire world ... it felt absolutely spectacular!!   

So today it's six days later and you know, I still feel so freaking good about that party... about giving something perfect to someone who deserves it so much ... I could go on this for quite a while! 

So many wonderful adventures ... what's next??