My mom is a big believer in birthdays. She goes all out, she makes every effort–my sister and I, especially as kids, were completely celebrated on birthdays. I told her this morning that is good and bad — it was such a WONDERFUL day and I looked forward to it all year — then it is hard for anyone else to live up to that in all birthdays afterwards! Jason has come the closest — one year he gave me a “word cloud” that my friend Carey designed and all my friends and family ‘donated’ words to about me. It’s framed by my bed. One year for Christmas he had all my friends and family donate to House of Ruth (where I’m now lucky enough to work!). Best gift ever.

But, for today’s birthday, I just want to recreate one of those magical youthful mornings. My mom and sister would come in, before I woke up, singing Happy Birthday in their beautiful voices. My mom always had a Gorton’s (could this possible be right?) Honey Bun heated up perfectly, so the sugar was crispy and the bun was soft, with a candle in it. She remembers orange juice but I just remember the perfect bun.

I’d open gifts, but on this day — I think I was 13 — my mom saved my REAL gift for later. I think in the morning I got a terry cloth robe that I wore for years. I think I just thought we couldn’t afford the REAL gift I wanted — Bass loafers. That day, we went to my mom’s friend Ann Owens house for dinner. I loved Ann Owens. She was casual and funny and her sons were just old enough to be super cool to me — they listened to crazy music, like THE CARS (I was so cutting edge, even back then).

At Ann’s house, after dinner, Mom said, Oh, I think I have one more gift. She pulled out — the Bass loafers. She laughed and gave me crap for them, “I never thought I’d have a child who wears $80 shoes!!” but she delivered (as usual) the gift I’d really wanted.

It’s like road trips — birthdays — I have so many memories of my mom creating a safe and happy childhood for me. It’s a blessing I’m particularly thankful for on March 1. I’m glad to be here.

Updated: Now I remember the other reason — school!! I loved (LOVED) locker decorations in school. To do other kids lockers, you had to be dropped off early, with the balloons and decorations and cards — my mom would ALWAYS take me when I asked. And one year in middle school and one year in high school I remember I had like 9 balloons on my locker, and cards, and even little gifts of candy. It was so celebratory!!