Strawberry Shortcake

Every few weeks, many of my friends and I get together for lunch. It’s been a habit of ours for several years. Each month, we try to pick a different restaurant, however, that is decided upon how many of us are attending, since we try to sit, if not at the same table, at least close.

When my mom moved in with us, I decided to include her in these activities. I admit, at first, I was hesitant wondering what my mom might have in common with my friends. How would she fit in with the conversations? Would my mom feel awkward and shy? Would my friends be so wrapped up in their own conversations that my mom would be ignored?

I shouldn’t have worried. Mom soon became a favorite member of our group and the women looked forward to hearing her tales of things past, when she emigrated with her mother from England and her times in America when she was little, but mostly, the antics of her middle child – me!

My friends vied for the opportunity to sit next to mom and encourage her speak her memories. Mom, being ninety years old was enthralled by the questions tossed at her and always obliged by elongating her answers. My friends never tired of listening to her.

Knowing mom was nearly blind due to severe age-related macular degeneration, our lunch group made sure mom received all the care and attention she needed. When mom began using a wheelchair, not one woman hesitated to help her in the restaurant and get her situated at the table.

One luncheon started during a beautiful, sunny morning. We met at the restaurant just around 11:30am. However, by the time we were getting ready to leave, the heavens opened, and a torrent of rain was pouring down. The debate was on! Do we make a run for our cars? Do we wait it out?

Looking at mom, we took into consideration since she was wheelchair bound racing her through the rain wasn’t something advisable. The decision was made. We’d stay a bit longer and order dessert, something we dieters rarely do. That day, we’d make an exception.

Our server was great and after speaking with the facility manager, they’d decided to “gift” us with whatever dessert we chose. She explained, “Marie said that under the present circumstances, your dessert is on the house.” We all cheered Marie and thanked her as she poked her head out the kitchen door.

As we looked at the dessert menu, taking into consideration my weight and diabetes, I hesitated, thinking it would be a great idea if mom and I shared rather than getting two huge pieces of cake.

I asked mom what she’d like. Without a second thought, she said, “I’d love a big piece of Strawberry Shortcake!” (I kept my “Yippee” thought to myself. That’s exactly what I would have chosen.”

When the server arrived to take our latest orders, I asked for the strawberry shortcake but with two forks.” I had to at least pretend to watch my calories!

Our orders started arriving at our table and everyone oohed and aahed as each plate was set on the table.

The server placed the strawberry shortcake in front of mom. She squinted at it trying desperately to see it and then asked what it was.

“Mom, it’s the strawberry shortcake you said you wanted” Mom looked perplexed and in a loud voice said, “Why on earth did you listen to me? I was only joking. I don’t even like strawberry shortcake!”

My friends hid their grins behind their hands, but we were all giggling at mom’s outburst.

I ordered a slice of apple pie for mom, and I ate the strawberry shortcake. But despite the extra and unneeded calorie intake, we all had a wonderful time and when we were finished eating, we heartily laughed at mom’s sense of humor.

Yes, mom ate all her apple pie and asked if we could make one once we arrived home. “Mom, you are joking, right?” I really had no idea.

Then, in front of the entire group of women, mom added another of her zingers: “Of, course I am” she said, “Everyone knows you can’t bake applies pies! You always manage to mess them up. We’ll just stop at the supermarket and pick one up for later.”

At first, my friends didn’t know to laugh or not. After all, they’d be, once again, laughing at my expense. To make the situation less tense, I said to them, “Ok, you can all go ahead and laugh. One day, I’ll tell you about my apple pie experiences.”

My friend, Ellen asked, “You mean, there are more than one?” I replied, “You heard mom,” and left it at that.

Now, all these years later, whenever I see a piece of strawberry shortcake, it reminds me of mom and the day she ordered hers.