Dad Manages to Keep Secret He Was Unaware of Knowing in the First Place:

Cornwall Ont.

Brain Therrien (38) stood nodding in approval of the picture set before him, sure to toss in the odd “Great work kiddo!” This feigning recollection the by-product of a project he’d only been familiar with since its inception. It all stemmed from a school assignment for his eldest daughter Jenna (9). Students were to complete a family tree and Jenna decided this wold make a perfect surprise 40th anniversary gift for his in laws David and Mary.

Jenna was extremely excited to delve into the history of her mother Angela’s family, and according to her and Angela both, Brian was a tremendous asset. “We’d get him to ask dad all kinds of questions to help Jenna learn our family history.” remarked Angela. ‘Or at least what he could repeat in front of the kids.” Of course not knowing the specific reasoning for this, his position allowed him to make inquiries over a beer around the BBQ without arousing suspicion amongst his in laws, ‘aka: Operation Sizzle” as the ladies jokingly coined it.  

After the celebratory dinner the family gathered around to admire and discuss Jenna’s hard work as David regaled them with anecdotes about various relatives (the ones we all have) while Mary wiped away a tear, touch by this thoughtful gesture. It was at this juncture Laura (7), their youngest asked Brian if it were a real tree, what kind he thought it would be. Not one to squander an opportunity to utilize his grade A dad material, he responded “I’m dunno, but it produced plenty of nuts!” The silence that ensued allowed him to inquire how his brother in law Danny was coping with his trial separation, of which they were also unaware.