A New Birthday Plan

By Lela Davidson

Dear Son,

I’m writing to tell you about an exciting change we’ll be making in regard to birthdays at our house this year!

Because this is a big birthday year for me (rhymes with shorty), and because you’re such a big boy now (and frankly because I’m a little worn out with the whole kids’ birthday scene), we’re going to do things a little differently this year. Instead of me spending my time planning, executing, and cleaning up after your birthday party, you’re going to do all that for your mom's birthday. Fun, huh?

First, you’re going to help me make a list of all my very best friends. Don’t worry, the guest list won’t get out of hand. You know how I always limit the number of guests at your parties to your age? Same deal. I’ll only be inviting forty friends. And because my friends are slightly geographically diverse, transporting them all to the party could be tricky. But, you’ll figure it out, just like Daddy and I always find a way to shuttle your friends around. I promise my pals will smell better. Most of them anyway.

Aren’t you just dying to know the theme for my party? You know how you’re always begging for pizza parties and laser tag parties, and parties where you eat pizza while riding go-carts and playing laser tag in space? I want a cool party, too. That’s why I’ll be going to a spa with my forty friends. (I have NO idea how much this costs, but you might want to start saving your allowance now.)

When you think about it, it’s a pretty good deal for you because it frees you from cooking a bunch of food we might very well, a) eat without tasting, b) throw at each other, or c) shove down our throats so fast it makes us sick enough to vomit on the ‘good’ carpet.

After the party of course I’ll expect you to hound me night and day until I write each and every last thank you note. You’ll also need to keep track of my gifts and write down exactly how to word my gratitude to each of my guests.

Finally, when I get bored with all my presents – like a week later – I’m going to be really crabby and whiny. I may refuse to do ordinary tasks like make your dinner and wash your underwear. Don’t take this personally. After all, you’re the one spoiling me rotten! I’m really excited about this year’s birthday plans and so proud of you, my grown up little boy!

Love,

Mom

Lela Davidson's award-winning column, After the Bubbly, appears regularly in Peekaboo magazine, and periodically in other magazines throughout the country. Lela is looking forward to her birthday party this year. She can be found online at www.afterthebubbly.com.