Turning 50 felt like a milestone that deserved a celebration, but with money being tight, I didn’t expect to do anything extravagant. My plan was simple—enjoy a solo weekend doing things I loved, quietly ushering in my 50s. I wasn’t disappointed by the idea. In fact, I was looking forward to it.
Then, about a month before my birthday, my sister-in-law gave me the surprise of a lifetime—she invited me to Minnesota for the weekend, covering my ticket and planning something special. I was beyond touched. Not only was I going to spend my birthday with family, but I had a feeling that more surprises were in store.
And I was absolutely right. What I thought would be a simple weekend turned into an unforgettable celebration, filled with love, laughter, and moments I’ll cherish forever. Let me take you along on the journey of how my 50th birthday became more magical than I ever imagined.
Arriving in Minnesota
I arrived in Minnesota on Thursday, excited to spend a relaxing weekend with family. That evening, things were quiet, and my sister-in-law didn’t give away any details about what was to come. I assumed we’d have a nice, low-key weekend together—maybe go out for dinner or do a little sightseeing.
But little did I know, the real surprise was waiting for me the next morning.
Friday: The Perfect Kickoff
The celebration started with a Friday morning brunch, which I thought would just be a simple meal with my family. But as soon as I walked in, I was met with an incredible surprise—my closest friends and family were all there, waiting for me!
Kendra, Marguerite, and my cousin Kola had all flown in just to celebrate with me. I was stunned. Marguerite had even rearranged her own vacation and birthday plans to be there. Kendra, despite her fear of flying, pushed past her anxiety and got on a plane just for me. And Kola, ever the thoughtful one, brought her two daughters and even made personalized party favors for the occasion.
I was overwhelmed with joy. I had come to Minnesota expecting a small family gathering, but instead, I was surrounded by some of my favorite people in the world.
After the amazing surprise at brunch, we headed to Paisley Park, the legendary home and studio of Prince. As a lifelong Prince fan, this was beyond exciting. Walking through the space where he created so much iconic music, seeing the memorabilia, and hearing the history behind the legend was surreal. It felt like stepping into a piece of music history, and I soaked up every moment.
That evening, we wrapped up the day with dinner at a food hall in downtown Minnesota. The atmosphere was lively, the food was delicious, and the conversations were filled with laughter and memories. Sitting there, surrounded by love, I already knew this birthday weekend was going to be one for the books.
Saturday: My 50th Birthday
The big day arrived, and my sister-in-law had even more fun planned!
We started the morning at a Black open-air market, where we explored local vendors, admired unique handmade goods, and supported Black-owned businesses. The energy was vibrant, and it felt amazing to be in such a lively space with my friends and family.
Next, we visited Hunt & Gather, a huge thrift store that was unlike anything I’d ever seen. This wasn’t just any thrift store—it was a treasure hunter’s paradise! The store was packed with eclectic finds, antiques, vintage pieces, and unique oddities. I could have spent hours sifting through the treasures, discovering cool and quirky items.
Of course, no trip to Minnesota is complete without stopping at the Mall of America. Even though I had been there before, it was still fun to walk around, take in the massive scale of the place, and do a little window shopping.
As the day wound down, we got ready for my birthday dinner at a fancy restaurant. Everything about the evening was perfect—the ambiance, the food, and the company. Sitting at that table, surrounded by my closest friends and family, I felt so incredibly grateful and loved.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. When we got home, my sister-in-law brought out a stunning birthday cake in all of my favorite colors. It was the perfect finishing touch to an already incredible day. We gathered around, cut the cake, and shared in the sweetness—both literally and figuratively.
A Birthday Filled with Love and Gratitude
Looking back on that weekend, I can truly say that my 50th birthday was more than I ever could have dreamed of. The love and thoughtfulness poured into every moment made me feel so incredibly special and appreciated.
I never imagined that so many people would go out of their way to make this milestone birthday unforgettable. From the friends who traveled miles to surprise me to the family who planned every detail so thoughtfully, I felt surrounded by love in a way I’ll never forget.
Turning 50 didn’t just mark a new decade of my life—it reminded me of how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my corner. The love, laughter, and unforgettable memories of this weekend are gifts that I will cherish forever.
If this is what 50 looks like, I can’t wait to see what’s next.
