A Glowing Birthday Party in Postcards 4

”Who gets this, mom?”

Zoe wanted a doll from the movie “Frozen.” The stores were out…back ordered, and we wanted one by Sunday. They must be a huge hit as even the online stores were running out as George pushed the button and ordered. Much to our distinct pleasure, the latest princess doll arrived on time.

We had been to Zoe’s brother Alex’s birthday party at Chucky Cheese a millennium ago. No ten-foot rat this time. We were at McDonalds the land of Chicken McNugets and fries. Surrounded by kids she’s known from her first day care, there was movement everywhere. They played. They ate, they ran hither and yon and had a ball. Dragging them to the table for cake and presents was a chore.

Cake was served with a flourish, and presents were opened in rapid fire time. Margot wrote who gave what, and I got the tissue out of the way as fast as I could.

One package from me elicited an, “Oh, books,” from Zoe. But they were her current favorites. I had to laugh.

We fled. Nicely. Politely. Leaving the lovely, glowing, happy and now healthy adults to round up their kids. Some of them now call me mom and G George. We came home to switch our clothing upscale a bit, and off to a meeting we went.

There was a very famous lady there last night. Sparkling in too large clothes, her bones angling out into the room shocking me. Her now thin hair teased up where she wore it many years ago. I spoke to her. I hugged her later. She pan-handled my last two dollars off me for cigarettes.

“I’ll see you in three weeks,” I told her. “You can pay me back then.”

I so hope she comes back and learns she too can live a happy glowing life. Learns she is not alone.