I thought I was simply heading to North Carolina for a quiet birthday and holiday getaway. You see, my husband is great at planning our vacations (thanks to his profession in the meetings and events industry), and I am very easy-going — at least when it comes to our holidays. So I followed him blindly, not knowing exactly what this 2025 summer would look like.
What I didn’t know was that my husband had orchestrated something magical — timed down to the minute.
As we climbed higher and higher into the mountains, I began joking with him: “Are you planning to bury me here? Nobody will ever find me!” The paved road eventually gave way to dirt, the kind where you feel every bump in your bones. At each turn, we could see the cliff’s edge, and it truly felt like we might tumble right off it. I’ve driven in the mountains many times, but this time it felt like the end of the world — no signs, no lights, just winding paths surrounded by endless trees.
Finally, we arrived at our Airbnb — perched on top of a mountain near Asheville. The house was enormous, with a kitchen as big as a living room, and a view so breathtaking it could have been a postcard. But it wasn’t the view that truly took my breath away…
It was the first knock on the door — less than five minutes after we arrived.
My oldest daughter from New York walked in, with my cousins from Chicago right behind her. My heart skipped a beat. Then, five minutes later, friends I hadn’t seen in five years appeared from Switzerland, followed shortly after by dear friends from the South of France with their two girls, who I hadn’t seen in two years.
And just when I thought the surprises were over, ten minutes later my parents from Belgium arrived — smiling as if they’d been hiding in the mountains for days — even though I had spoken with them just the day before.
I didn’t even realize at first that everyone was staying with us. There was no time to process it — just a wave of joyful chaos as more and more people arrived. In less than 30 minutes, we were 15 people under the same roof. Some stayed longer, others for just a few days, but it was magical to be all together — sharing the cooking, the meals, the laughter over board games (my favorite), the peaceful beauty of nature, and nights by the fire pit under a blanket of stars. I couldn’t have been happier… or so I thought.
Because it wasn’t the end of the surprise — on the contrary, it was just the beginning.
As soon as one friend left, another arrived — like a perpetual dance. I was blessed to have friends from Boca Raton, Parkland, and Delray, as well as my brother and his family from Belgium. It felt like a carousel of emotions — feeling loved, cherished, and so well surrounded.
All of this unfolded against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains — where the crisp air carried the scent of pine, the leaves whispered in the wind, and the sounds of birdsong welcomed each new arrival.
It wasn’t just how they showed up — one after another, like a perfectly choreographed performance — it was who showed up. How exceptional are the friends and family who take the time and spend the money to surprise me and create new memories together? I am so deeply grateful.
It reminded me of something important: in both life and business, unforgettable moments don’t just happen. They’re the result of thoughtful planning, impeccable timing, and knowing exactly what will matter most — and in this case, all of it was planned by my incredible and thoughtful husband.
They also require effort. Friendships aren’t built in passing; they grow when we show up for each other. They’re made of both the little and the big gestures — making someone feel special, carving out the time, and sometimes traveling across the world just to share a moment. They’re about investing in the relationship, not just when it’s easy, but when it means rearranging your schedule, committing the resources, and putting someone else’s joy at the very top of your list.
That’s exactly what these friends and family did for me. They gave me their presence — their laughter, their hugs, their energy. And that, more than any gift or any view, is what truly took my breath away.
About the Author
Elsa Rozenberg is a luxury real estate advisor specializing in Parkland, Boca Raton, and South Florida. With over a decade of experience and a background in law, Elsa guides high-net-worth clients through seamless real estate transactions with integrity, discretion, and expertise.
📞 Call/Text: +1.954.918.3785
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.ElsaRozenberg.com
