September 22, 2003

When I picked up Mom the day after the Great Shampoo Caper, I spoke with the aide who got the shampoo and towel for me. I explained to her how I had been approached afterward and felt like feelings had ended up being hurt. She felt bad because she said she was the one who had approached those other aides and told them to please wash Naomi’s hair with her showers. Anyway, to make a long story short, I think she smoothed things over with the other aides because no one seemed mad the next day. Now if Mom’s hair starts being shampooed regularly, we’ll be cooking.

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I was greeted in the bathroom this morning by a note taped to the mirror: “Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.” That brought a big smile to my face. Then as I was going out the door to visit Mom, another note was taped to the doorknob with birthday wishes.

I got back home and Karen had called while I was out and left a message singing Happy Birthday to me.

I got ready and left for work before Chris came out of his room. Work was steady, but not too hectic. Josh called me to wish me a happy birthday while I was on my break.

As I drove home from work I thought about when the kids were little and how they used to make me breakfast on my birthday and bring me hot tea.

I figured Chris would be out with his friends. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed that Chris had taken out the trash. “Hmmm, I wonder if there is a chance he actually cleaned the kitchen for me.” I thought to myself hopefully.

Chris’s car was here and I thought maybe he had left with someone. The door opened as I gathered up a few groceries I had stopped and picked up.

“What took you so long? Where have you been?” Chris was obviously waiting for me.

“I stopped by the store. Come and help me.”

Chris grabbed some bags and said, “I’ve been waiting for you. I baked you a cake.”

“You’re kidding!” I was amazed.

“Yep. It’s the first time I’ve ever baked a cake in my life, but I knew it would be easy.”

As I walked in the house, I was greeted by a clean living room, a clean kitchen and a chocolate swirl cake that said Happy Birthday with candles on it.

“Wow, Chris. I can’t believe it. I certainly didn’t expect this.”

“I knew you wouldn’t,” he said with a big grin. He grabbed me and hugged me and said, “I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday.”

He lit the candles and took a picture of me blowing them out. I was so flabbergasted I forgot to make a wish.

I suppose sometimes wishes are granted before we think of them anyway.

Chris and I had cake and pizza and talked a while.

I had another birthday message on voice mail from Cathy at the beach. They just got their power back today and she said lots of folks there are still without power.

Anyway, I feel sufficiently loved and did indeed have a happy birthday.

I’m not telling how old I am, but Josh figured out I’m a year younger than I thought. YAY.

Proverbs 31:28a Her children arise up, and call her blessed...