A Smiley Face Birthday Moment

A few years ago, I met someone special.  His name was Clarence, a real World War II Marine who fought on Iwo Jima.  On my initial visit to his home, I noticed smiley-face items hanging on walls and perched on bookshelves.  He told me he was given the title “Mr. Smiley” by people he greeted at church each Sunday because he smiled and gave them peppermint candy.

I DECIDED to create a personal moment to celebrate MR. CLARENCE’S 85th birthday. The smiley-face motif was an obvious choice for a design THEME and was easy to find decorations (TANGIBLES) to support it.  I called him to SCHEDULE a time to provide dinner at his home. 

A mutual friend, Dianne, and I put out a little EFFORT (she cooked, I decorated). He enjoyed the EXPERIENCE of watching us prepare the mini-party. We enjoyed spending time with him and seeing him smile.

Dinner was eaten and the décor was packed in a box. One smiley-face balloon lingered, drifting from room to room on the air currents for several weeks, reminding him that he was loved.

Creating a moment for someone is easy when you simply observe the person and let his/her personality be your design guide.