this is your lifesurprise

surprise (s\r-priÛz') tr.v. 1. To encounter suddenly or unexpectedly; take or catch (a person) unawares. 2. To encounter or capture suddenly and without warning. 3. To cause to feel wonder, astonishment, or amazement.

Once Surprise was a average law student--quiet, reserved, stoic, and serious. He was so wrapped up in his studies that he barely noticed the world around him. He never took the time to enjoy his life. He never greeted anyone with a smile. He only studied.

One night before his final exams, as he sat in the library, alone, he heard some other students planning on going to a party. Surprise had never gone to a party. He thought they were a silly waste of time. "Bah, humbug, " he thought. "People who party are foolish and will never succeed in life." Then he went home to study some more.

That night he was awakened by a strange sound. He went turned on the light and saw:

"I am the Spirit of Chat Past. I am hear to show you the miserable way your life has gone Ebenezer Surprise." The spirit then took Surprise into the past and showed him the fun that he had had as a small child, talking and joking with his friends.

"You will be visited by more of my brothers this night. Be forewarned!" And the spirit left in a swirl of smoke.

"Bah," said Surprise. "I just spend too much time on torts and liens tonight."

Just as he was falling asleep, another sound woke him. The sound of music and laughter.


"We are the Spirits of Chat Present," the brothers sang in perfect harmony. "See what you are missing in life Ebenezer Surprise"

They took Surprise to party after party, large and small, where people were dancing and singing enjoying life and chatting with their friends. They showed him friends sharing sorrows with others, and sharing joys also. He saw that a person with friends had everything anyone could ever want from life. When the spirits left, Surprise was wondering if a career was really all there was to being successful.

Suddenly Surprise was startled by a low moaning. It was the Spirit of Chat Past! "Behold your miserable future Ebenezer Surprise!" the spirit said. Surprise saw himself a famous lawyer--but alone and bitter in his loneliness.

"Oh spirit," he said. "I see the truth now! Chatting with my friends, making them laugh, sharing happiness together--that is the real success in life!"

Ever since that fateful night, Surprise has been a changed man. He has friends everywhere he goes, and everyone agrees that in chat there is no better man, no better companion, and no better friend than Surprise.