An April Fool's kind of birthday

A family member, who shall remain nameless, had something happen to them yesterday that I've never seen or heard of. I've been flying on commercial airlines on a regular basis for oh, 20 years or so. Like all of you, I've witnessed some strange things, but usually put myself inside a bubble, kept my headphones on and a book in my hands. So yesterday, said family member was flying, had a little cocktail on the first leg of the trip to celebrate a birthday and then with 34 minutes before the connecting flight was to take off, stopped and ordered a second cocktail. By now the family member is connecting through Minneapolis and has called me to laugh and tell me that since they are alone, and it's their birthday they are going to elicit the reaction of strangers. A rum and coke is consumed while running to the gate. While waiting in line with boarding pass in hand, they joke to the person in line next to them that it's their birthday and they are going to move over to the 'elite' line (which is about two steps to the right). Joking around about the absurdities of the existence of an 'elite' line that has no significant value other than to stroke the egos of business travelers, the family member moves over and steps up at exactly the same point they would have had they stayed in the other line. Once inside the plane and settled, it is announced over the loud speaker that "place name here" is celebrating a birthday and is instructed to move to first class. While those around smile, nod and murmur Happy Birthday, the family member gathers their things and sheepishly moves upfront. Then, every time Timothy, the flight attendant, comes on the sound system to make any sort of announcement he says at the end of his message "And Happy Birthday to 'place name here', don't forget to wish a very happy birthday to our special passenger!" A card is passed around the plane, everyone signs it and writes little consolatory notes, and the family member is presented with the card and bottle of merlot. The captain even comes out to give his personal well wishes to the birthday traveler. Also, the person in line who told the flight attendant about the birthday is invited to first class per family member's request.

Isn't that odd? Have you ever witnessed anything like that while flying? I've actually flown with Lisa and she managed to move a few people around so that we could sit together. This was on my 40th birthday. Oh, sorry Lisa, your family could figure it out anyway, who else in our family has a birthday on April Fool’s Day? I’m grateful to all those people for making your trip special since you were alone out there in the world. I wish I could have enjoyed that bottle of merlot with you last night. Happy Birthday, cousin Lisa!