On August 14, 1958, a bouncing baby boy entered the world, and likely cried, “Mother!  Where’s my coffee?”

Okay, I jest but only a bit.  That is actually what his Grandfather Sparks said every morning to his Grandmother Sparks when he woke up.  She would dutifully hop out of bed and go get it for him.  Every morning.  No matter what.

Occasionally, Clay tries that with me (only in fun, though), to which I reply, “Out in the kitchen, so go get it yourself.”

Then I paddle off and go make him coffee.

Especially today; it’s his birthday.  Or, I would, but he’s still in Georgia.

Clay, because it’s your birthday, I’ll send you a cup of coffee.

Thankfully, he was home last week, so we celebrated then with chocolate cake and a game of Shanghai Rummy. Clay had the highest score, so we declared him the official winner, despite the fact that Daniel actually had the lowest score.  Daniel always seems to win our card games; think I best check up his sleeve next time.

Still, I wanted to do something special for Clay today; for without that fateful day in 1958, I’d never have found my one, true love.

So, Clay, this is for you:

Today is your birthday.

Do something fun for yourself.

Take a grand adventure.

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Spend time with those you love (or can at least tolerate).

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Enjoy a delicious meal.

Take time to relax.

And while your years (and gray hair) may say “55,”

You’re still driving in the fast lane, Baby!

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Here’s hoping it’s your best year ever!

(I must confess that these panels are from a larger card/book Clay actually received in 2011; however, I know he won’t mind my sharing it with you, and the original text was different. It was created using the Cricut Crocs Rule cartridge, and made a wonderful backdrop for the card.  You can see the original card, in its entirety, along with the original text here, August 2011 Monthly Challenge: Create a Scene. The coffee cup card was created using the Cricut Winter Frolic cartridge.)

Have a wonderful birthday, Clay!

Love,

Shari