That turned out to be much harder than I expected.
Mason was thrilled when I explained our plan. His eyes widened, his mouth fell open, and then he began jumping around the living room as if he had just received the greatest gift in the world.
“WE’RE GOING TO FLY WITH DAD?”
I quickly reminded him that the surprise would only work if he kept quiet.
He pressed both hands over his mouth and nodded enthusiastically.
“I won’t tell him, Mom. I promise!”
Then he ran to his bedroom to prepare for the trip.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying a small backpack. Inside were his favorite headphones, a bag of gummy bears, and a drawing he had made especially for his father.
The picture showed a large airplane flying through a bright blue sky. A little figure stood inside the cockpit, and beneath the aircraft, Mason had written a message in enormous, uneven letters:
