My sister has always loved to celebrate her birthday.
From childhood parties to adult festivities.
The more cards the better!
It was never just one day.
She was born on February 6th.
She would start reminding us in November!
As though we could forget!
This year she turned sixty.
Numerous people took her to lunch or dinner.
I sent a gift and card in early January.
Since I’d be away.
No matter.
Festivities had begun the end of the year before!
Her family planned a surprise party.
Between theater tickets and a vacation to Disney.
A dinner at a local restaurant for about a dozen.
Which Bob and I could attend.
Nestled, as it was, between our trips away.
The day arrived.
Bright, sunny, warm by February standards.
Scheduled at an early hour.
Which, by my calculation, would reduce the waiting time.
But, the minutes ticked by like little slugs.
Creeping around the face of the clock.
Till time to dress.
Set the GPS.
Go!
To a restaurant unknown to us.
Though frequented by legions.
For crowds arrived in caravans.
Hordes exited as we entered.
Always a shock to me to witness the public so animated.
So alive.
So confident post pandemic.
For Bob and I still donned masks.
To wade through throngs.
To the small designated room.
Which, by the way, had six overflow tables for outsiders.
Needed as the evening progressed.
But, at first, just us.
Holli, phone in hand, waiting for a signal from Rachel, her sister.
As to when the birthday girl and her husband would arrive.
So, we all marked time.
Holli, husband’s family, friends, Bob and I.
Hovering with nervous small talk.
Till the alert.
Moment of entry.
Cameras poised.
To videotape.
Snap photos.
Of the unsuspecting honoree.
Who was, indeed, dazzled.
Delighted by yet another appreciation of her birthday jubilee.
And I, her senior sister,
almost fourteen years older,
with maternal instincts
was awed to behold her.
Photos popped up on Facebook.
Another token of pride.
One step more in Sheryl’s campaign
to note her day world wide!
Lynn Benjamin
February 13, 2023
