Centennial Surprise Party by Elizabeth Emerald Artwork by VMarguarite at FanArtReview.com |
Though my second marital mistake lasted just one third the time as my first, six years of stupid is still plenty stupid, during and after which period I spared no effort as regards self-castigation. (Mercifully, the statute of limitations on stupidity has expired.)The passage of fifteen years post-divorce has served to mitigate my regret; thus, on occasion, I peruse the marital file for entertainment purposes. Today was one such occasion. My happy reminiscence was triggered by the birthday celebration I attended this afternoon. Specifically, by the "digital" candles on the cake: "6" and "4," which was the age of my then-mother-in-law, Rose, at the time of the event I am about to relate. Excerpt from Fun with "Dick" and Liz: In 2001, over the course of four months, Dick solicited fellow cyclists and formed a weekend bicycle club. In the summer of 2002, Dick and his group completed a "century" ride, i.e. a one-hundred mile excursion. As planned, Dick and his four traveling companions met up at our house that morning to commence their journey. I prepared a meal of lasagne and meatballs and awaited their triumphant return, along with Dick's mother, Rose. The jubilant cyclists arrived, ravenous, and delighted in the celebratory supper. Also present were my twelve-year-old daughter, Lauren, and her friend Melissa, who were unaware of the reason for the party. When I presented the cake, into which I'd stuck three candles "1", "0," "0," the girls smiled at Rose and sang: Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You.
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Elizabeth Emerald
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