Happy Birthday, Mom

“Happy Birthday, Mom.”

“Thank you so much, Jimmy. You’re such a good son.”

“You’re welcome. I brought you a gift, I’m sorry I didn’t wrap it.”

“Wrapping paper is the superficial outer layer. What’s important is that it came from the heart.”

“I hope you enjoy it.”

“It feels so soft and cozy.”

“It’ll look nice on you, momma. It’s in your favorite color.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Jimmy.”

“Only the best for you, momma.”

“Who just walked in?”

“It’s just me.”

“Amber, come on in and join us.”

“Hi Jimmy.”

“Hey, Amber.”

“That’s a beautiful pink sweater.”

“Jimmy gave it to me. It’s so soft and warm.”

“Here, I brought you a little something.”

“Thank you so much, Amber. Let’s get this wrapping paper off this box.”

“I know you’re gonna love it.”

“Now, let’s get the lid off this box.”

“Let me help you. This plastic wrap is stubborn.”

“Thank you, Amber. These are delicious. My favorite macadamia nuts.”

“They’re the special ones from Hawaii. I ordered them directly from the Little Nut House and had them shipped here.”

“Yes, I can tell from that warm roasted flavor and the pattern on the box. Jimmy, can you grab a nut dish from the kitchen?”

“Yes, I’ll be right back with that.”

“Ah, Carly’s here.

I can feel the vibrations of her car.”

“You have such great senses, mom.”

“Well, you know what they say, Amber. You lose one sense and the other ones get sharper.”

“That’s true.”

“Here’s the nut dish.”

“Thank you, Jimmy.”

“Hello everybody! Happy birthday, Mom!”

“My Carly, come over here and give me a kiss.”

“Of course!”

“Your hands are so nice and warm, my baby girl.”

“I love you so much, Mom.”

“I love you too, Carly — and all my babies, Amber and Jimmy.”

“Love you, momma.”

“And me too.”

“I feel so loved today, surrounded by my babies.

I wish your dad was still with us to share in the joy.”

“He’s forever in our hearts.”

“Yes, he is, Amber.”

“Remember when he brought Corky home?”

“I remember that like it was yesterday, Carly.”

“Of course you do, Jimmy. That dog loved you.”

“Yes, he and I were best buddies.”

“I need your help bringing Mom’s gift in. It’s a bit on the heavy side.”

“Sure, let’s go.”

“Would you like a cup of mint tea? I am going to brew some for myself.”

“That sounds nice, Amber. Put a teaspoon of sugar in mine.”

“Will do.”

“Boy, Carly, you’re not kidding. This is a heavy gift.”

“Set it over there on the table next to Mom’s chair.”

“Here’s your tea.”

“Wait, Amber, let me set Mom’s gift on the table first.”

“Okay, Jimmy. What a big box. What could it be?”

“If the gift is wrapped, I’m going to need one of you to unwrap it for me.”

“Yes, it is wrapped. But before it’s opened, I want you to feel the wrapping paper while it’s still on.”

“Okay, Carly. Guide my hand to the gift.”

“Right here, mom.”

“It feels like velvet. It has a lavender scent to it.”

“Yes, it does, and the wrapping is a lavender color. Can you figure out the pattern?”

“It’s kind of hard to tell. But I’m going to guess it’s paisleys.”

“You’re right. Now let’s unwrap this so we can fold the paper for you to keep.”

“That is so thoughtful of you, Carly.”

“Jimmy, can you pull the gift out of the box and set it on the table close enough for her to touch?”

“Let me take your hand. Here it is.”

“It’s something made of metal.

It feels round-ish.

It’s a bowl — a metal bowl.

No you didn’t, Carly.”

“Yes, I did.”

“You got me the KitchenAid mixer.”

“Yes, it’s an all‑metal one just like the one you got for Christmas in 1985.”

“Carly, this is wonderful. I made each of you a birthday cake using that mixer. A lemon chiffon for Amber, German chocolate for Jimmy, and carrot cake for Carly.

Thank you to all three of you for making this a special day.”