Folks, tonight we had a birthday party for a doll. Miss T made a very important announcement this afternoon. We had just picked Leo up at his art class and we were on our way home when she exclaimed, “Mum! Today is Linda’s BIRTHDAY!!”
If you know us in real life, or if you have been following this blog for any length of time, you are undoubtedly familiar with Linda. Linda is my [filthy and narcoleptic] fourth child. It is rare to find Miss T without Linda somewhere nearby. Linda is in many of our photos- she even made our Christmas card this year! When we are out and about in our community, Linda is greeted by name. She is known at school, Crossfit, church (where she has even been blessed by our priest during Communion!), the library, the supermarket, the farm, and art center, among others. Our sweet T, whom we often refer to as Little Mumma, loves Linda as if she were a real family member. Because Linda means so much to T, she is therefore important to us.
My morning started off early and efficient, but things got a little off track when T’s school had to cancel unexpectedly. The day felt funny as a result, plus it was rainy and grey outside. So, when I heard that it was Linda’s birthday I thought of the gigantic box of Ghirardelli brownie mix that Schizz bought eons ago at Costco, just sitting there collecting dust in our cupboard. I thought to myself, “We can save this off-course day” and then I looked over at T and- of course- Linda.
“Hey, T… Does Linda like brownies?”
T nodded her head emphatically. It was decided, then. Linda would have a party. The kids sprang into action. The boys determined that Linda was in need of cards and a birthday crown. Everyone got to work planning a last-minute birthday celebration for T’s beloved Linda.
Linda has a tendency to fall asleep on a dime. Even at her own party, poor thing!
There were cards:
There was a crown:
There was some birthday dancing in the kitchen to the sweet scent of brownies in the oven:
And, of course, there was singing and brownies:
It was a fun, and funny, afternoon. All the kids went to bed with smiles, Linda included! Linda was asleep before her dirty little noggin hit the pillow!
The magic of childhood is far too brief; it is gone in a blink. Before I know it Linda will be cast aside, gathering dust in some corner. Childhood imagination is so important. Encourage it when you can, especially on a grey, off-course day!
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The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.
~Madeleine L’Engle
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