For a while now Caleb and I have been planning a Father’s Day surprise for Ray. He knew we were up to something and if he had pressed Caleb for information, he would have had the whole story in an instant. 

Caleb has wanted to spill the beans since we first decided to do it. It took a lot of talking and cajoling to make him keep quiet. 

One of my dearest friends (from high school) creates slide shows and photo books. Apart from her creative abilities, is one of the wisest women I know.

We thought that putting together some of the photos from our trip of Caleb and Ray together and writing some text to turn into a book, would make a good Father’s Day present. 

We relied on Karen’s ingenuity and talent and after much collaboration and patience (from Karen) due to lack of phone service, she had the end product. A hard covered book and DVD full of memories, a unique gift, truly priceless. As excited as we were, Karen was too, and she posted it to us here in Cairns. 

Now, being a Father’s Day present it was logical that we waited until then to present it to Ray. Well, we aren’t logical (you know that) and it was all we could do to make it the 13km back from the post office without thrusting it at him. 

He loved it! We loved it! The quality of the book is exceptional, the colours of the photos so vivid and the DVD had us wiping away tears. Ray was really touched that we had gone to so much trouble to create this gift for him and a tear or two “may” have escaped his lids. 

We have another challenge for Karen. Over 5000 holiday snaps, now that might take some work. Ray will wake up on Father’s Day enjoy his book again and open the standard gift of jocks and chocolates. I don’t think he will mind those this year.