Sister Surprise -- Birthday To Remember

I expected to be proud of my step-daughter's performance with the Linn-Mar "Marching Lions" high school band Monday night (Oct. 26) at the annual Indoor Marching Band Classic at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But she did something that blew away me, her mother, and everyone else at the show that night.

About the middle of the night, as Lauren Higgins, 17, prepared to play flute with her band mates, she approached emcee Scott Drzycimski with a simple request.

"Today is my sister's 15th birthday," Lauren said. "Could you wish her a happy birthday?'

Scott was hesitant.

Lauren pleaded. She explained that Erin was here watching her in the band rather than celebrating her birthday with presents, cake and ice cream.

Scott asked for their names. He said he'd see what he could do, but made no promises.

Lauren text-messaged her sister, told her to listen to the announcer before they went on. Erin showed the message to her mother, Suz. We all wondered what was up.

The Cedar Rapids Kennedy marching band finished its routine. The spotlight shined on Scott.

He said something like, "Every year we like to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices required by these band members and their families." Then he said, as a matter of fact, that he had an example.

"Lauren of the Linn-Mar band," he said, "would like to wish her sister, Erin Higgins, a happy 15th birthday. Erin wasn't able to celebrate her birthday with presents and cake today because she's here watching her sister ..."

Erin smiled even though she was slightly embarrassed.

Then Scott took it from there.

"Let's all sing Happy Birthday to Erin."

The 3,500 people in the U.S. Cellular Center all belted out the song as Suz and I pointed out Erin to the crowd. Erin turned red but she was still smiling.

Sisters. As teenagers they might not always get along. Then they'll surprise you with something they'll remember until the day they are old and gray.