Spring is my favorite season—and not just because I’m a spring baby.

In fact, so is my husband, whose birthday is fast approaching.

While I’m happy to celebrate my birthday with something requiring little to no work—like dinner and drinks with close friends—my husband treats his birthday like an event worth planning months in advance. I’m not kidding—he usually starts thinking about it before Christmas.

Each year, he throws a big party at our house and invites everyone he knows. Again, not kidding. Two years ago, his kindergarten teacher showed up. And guess who helps put it all together? We both do—and let me tell you, it’s a lot of work!

This year, I couldn’t find the gift I wanted in stores, so I ordered it online (and no, I can’t say what it is just in case he reads this). But when I went to check out, I noticed there wasn’t an option for discreet packaging. I started stressing: What if it shows up in a box that gives it away? Should I try to intercept the mail? Hide it in my car? Maybe stash it in the utility closet here at the office?

When I asked if it would spoil the surprise if he saw it early, he just shrugged and said it didn’t matter.

We’re different in that way—to me, it does matter. I love the anticipation, the mystery, the excitement leading up to the big day. It makes the moment of opening a gift feel more special. For me, birthdays—and spring, for that matter—are all about renewal and surprise. I want the day to feel a little different from all the others.

Speaking of gifts and surprises, we have something for you, dear readers.

GET YOUR GUIDE TO AGING WELL IN MONTROSE & DELTA

If you live in Montrose or Delta counties, you’ll find the 2025 Montrose-Delta BEACON Guide tucked into the April issue. This free resource directory is also available online—it contains helpful articles, trusted resources and hard-to-find contact information for seniors and the people who help them. 

Whether you’re planning your retirement, exploring volunteer opportunities or transitioning to a senior living community, the BEACON Guide contains valuable resources to help you navigate aging and help you age well right here in Western Colorado. Inside, you’ll find verified contact information for local clubs, physicians, financial planners, home health providers and more—organized to help you find what you need when you need it.

Pick up your free copy of the 2025 BEACON Guide—Mesa County and Montrose & Delta editions—at doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and other locations throughout the region. If you missed your BEACON Guide in this month’s magazine—or if you’d like extra copies—call us at 970-243-8829 and we’ll mail one to you!

SEE YOU AT BEACONFEST APRIL 17

Check out our BeaconFest Show Program—your guide to the biggest senior event of the year! Grand Junction’s funnest senior expo is just around the corner on Thursday, April 17, and this program will help you plan your visit—from stage entertainment and prize giveaways to vendor booths, free seminars and more. 

Did I mention everything’s FREE?

We can’t wait to see you there! For details, visit BeaconFest.com