Marie Wu

Last summer for Austin's birthday, a bunch of us planned a surprise party for him. We wanted it to be a real surprise so all of us told Austin that we were busy (poor guy) and couldn't hang out that night. On the day of his birthday, Aenea distracted Austin with an incredibly long grocery run while the rest of us stayed behind to set up. Admittedly, we were not the best organizers, so the whole thing was slightly haphazardly thrown together - Nora was sent out last minute to go find balloons and candles, lights were strung around the somewhat half-unpacked living room, paper hats were taped together on the spot, you get the idea. Once Aenea gave us the warning, we all stood giggling in a line holding up letters that spelled out HAPPY BIRTHDAY! When Austin walked in and saw us, his face split into the most amazing grin I've ever seen. He hugged each of us in turn and told us that it was the first surprise party anyone had ever pulled for him.

For some reason, I woke up this morning thinking of that wonderful smile and the party we threw. Aenea mentioned that Austin had a favorite smile for each of his friends - well, this morning I decided that that one is my favorite Austin smile. So spontaneous, so happy, so touched, so genuinely... surprised.

Miss you, Austin. Wish we could throw you a hundred thousand more surprises.