Thank You!
OK. So, since I started the thread, I feel compelled to answer and tell you the transpiration of events.
First of all, thanks to all who responded, especially to PopeyesMom, USNR1315 and FlyingG who provided us with very prompt and sufficient assurance that this was what we all were looking for and, thus, reduced the stress level and anxiety for DW and me.
So, DS, whose birthday is tomorrow, is a freshman at the University of Denver – about a 45 minute drive from our house. After reading your posts, DW and I strategized on what to do. Do we surprise him right away or do we wait until the weekend (when he was going to come home anyway) and wrap it up and include it with his other presents? We decided on a hybrid approach. One of the teasing points that we have used in the past was a threat to show up at school unannounced to make sure that he was behaving himself. So, we did just that. We went down there on Thursday night, using some lame excuse that we were passing by, coming from some meeting and we figured that we should stop in and “see him”. DW wrapped the unopened BFE in paper and put it into a large box, along with some care package items (e.g., Girl Scout and chocolate chip cookies – I DID NOT GET ANY!!!). He saw the box right away and asked what it was. We told him that it was an advanced birthday present; since we knew that he’d had a rough week, this was encouragement. So, he opened the box and salivated over the cookies. Then he reached the BFE and tried to guess what it was before opening it (shook it, squeezed it, etc.). He pulls off the wrapping, sees the manila envelope, looks at the return address, and his face lights up. The best part about the evening (aside from his immediate reaction) was the fact that it was completely unexpected. Neither he, nor DW nor I, were expecting an appointment to arrive until late February or March, if it was going to arrive at all. We have pictures of the excitement.
Many thanks to all who have provided such helpful information as we traversed the path to an appointment! And best of luck to all who are still stalking the mailman – ours can finally deliver mail in peace.