It's only something we are afforded on special occasions. I recall taking DS 17 for tube insertion surgery when he was about 2 or 3. I woke him up in the morning, told him we were going to get his ears fixed, (it wasn't the first time) and off we went. I was sitting in the waiting room outside of the OR when a Mom, who knew absolutely everything, told me the great lengths she went to prepare her DS. She noted that my DS has whimpered a little bit but hers was "so looking forward to the experience"and that I really should have done more to prepare my son so he could see it as an adventure. I told her that DS would be fine and he would adjust to the situation quickly. She didn't hesitate to tell me that she felt, as a social worker herself, that I had made a mistake. Karma didn't take long to arrive. DS woke up in the Recovery Room, smiling and happy. Her child was screaming, kicking and crying. When she was with him, he demanded to see his Dad, when Dad was with him, he demanded to see the Mom. They played musical chairs while DS was chatting away, waking up and getting dressed. I smiled sweetly and wished her luck as we left to go to breakfast. How are the birthday party plans evolving??