I got a couple of PM's asking about this since they saw other people post to my Facebook posts a few weeks back. Figured I'd post it here since I'm still euphoric about it. Sorry to those who are sick of this story already....

I had a great chance to surprise my son. He plays a game called Minecraft and they have a convention every year. Frankie wanted to go in 2012 but it was in Paris. This year it was in America and I was lucky enough to get tickets (they sold out in 3 seconds), so I didn't tell him and kept it a secret. This was in August, the event was Nov 2nd and 3rd. It was also in Orlando, FL so I had to get airline tickets from NY, hotel, etc.. Anywho I got it all set up and patiently waited.

Late September Frankie figured out the convention was in the US and asked me about it. Since I knew about the quick sell out I asked him to google "Minecon 2013 tickets" since I knew the results. He saw they sold out instantly and , while dejected, knew nothing could be done.

Fast forward to Nov 2nd. I got tickets for a 6:30AM flight from NY to FL so I woke him up at 4:10 AM and told him I needed him to take a ride with me. The story was that I bought some rare SW stuff that was flown in instead of truck delivered (he's 11 so he bought it). Like the good kid he is he said sure (at 4:10 AM!!!) and drove with me to the airport. Since the trip was just overnight I didn't have luggage or anything so we walked into the airport, got right through security and sat down. I told him I thought my stuff might be in so I walked to the counter and quietly asked the flight attendant to help me out with the surprise! She did and then this happened:



We ended up having a great time and (Hopefully) created a lifetime memory!!

John,

I don't use FB at all so thanks for sharing!

Very cool of you to do that for your son!!!! You didn't mention if it was a birthday present or early X-Mas gift or a "just because" gift, but regardless, you are one cool pops!

I could see possibly if it was at the Javits or somewhere closer in the tri-state are, but man, a plan ride to FLA for it!!!  Too cool!!!!

If my pops woke me up at 4AM, my only question would be who's sick or dying. Kids are too funny!

It will be definitely be tough to top in the future!

cheers!

There wasn't an occasion, we just did it. It was a once in a lifetime thing I hope he will remember as he gets older. He's a real good kid without a bad bone in his body. Like most good souls he gets some shit from other kids. If anyone deserved a couple of days of pure joy and fun it's Frankie. It was great to see him so happy. I got as much from that as he did from the event.

That's a great story, and you are a great dad, John!  

Your all class John, thats a great thing to do, and to see the joy on his face was priceless, those memories do last a lifetime, i lost my dad at 7, and i remember a few special things he did like yesterday.
Your lucky to have each other, happy days and great story, cheers

Fantastic John.  I love the video! I'm sure that will always be a very cherished memory for Frankie.

Like Jay, I don't use Facebook, so thanks for sharing the story here. BTW, was that a Fett jacket you were wearing?

Wow John, what a superb surprise for your son. How did you manage to keep it a secret since August?!?!

Yes, it was a Fett jacket!! Good eye!

As for how I kept it quiet, I basically told nobody who comes in contact with Frankie (outside of my wife). My daughter didn't know, my Mom didn't know, etc.. So it was a surprise to a lot of people!

  So brilliant! What a nice video story for a rainy Monday. The look on Frankie's face is a treat    Glad you both had a great time!

Great job & what a fantastic surprise.  Like a couple other guys, I don't use facebook, so thanks for sharing with us. 

very cool John  

Looks like the 2 of you had a blast  

Excellent story. A fantastic job.

You do realise that now you'll have to take him into space or something for his 18th.  

My son loves minecraft too. I'll keep my eye open for a UK event.

A great story John, thanks for putting this up on TIG  Inspirational really, I would love to do something like that for my boy someday when he's old enough

Great story and thank you for sharing.  

You know Frankie is going to return the favor for C15....  

What an amazing thing to do for your kid. And how great of him to not complain about the early rise and drive to the airport. I am sure you made some great memories for him that day (as well as for yourself).

John thanks for sharing that wonderful moment with your son, It put a smile on my face.If I am ever lucky enough to be a dad , I hope I can share great moments like that

That video of him reading the letter was just awesome!  There's no doubt he will remember that trip forever, especially the feeling of euphoria he had.

  

Awesome..
that put a smile on my face. 

John, that's great mate, glad you both had a great time