the present They say that blood is thicker than water, that our relatives are more important to us than others. Everyone was so kind to the old lady on her birthday. Surely her daughter would make an even bigger effort to please her?

At 18, the age of majority, one becomes an adult At 18, the age of majority, one becomes an adult. Usually the family has a big party for the new adult and a major present—an expensive watch or a car—is given to him or her. Any birthday past 70 is celebrated in a special way by family members just because the birthday person is getting old and may die before another birthday comes around. 100 is generally regarded as an unusual occasion because few people reach it. The centenarian may even receive a telegram or a letter of congratulations from the president. Again the family may hold a party attended by relatives and surviving friends as well. Among other things the centenarian takes delight in counting great grandchildren and grandchildren at the party.

The old lady was excited about her 80th birthday, but her excitement turned out to be a great disappointment due to a birthday card and a cheque from her daughter.(30)

her expectations: her excitement: She got up early to be ready for the post. Today she was sure there would be something. Even if Myra did not come, she would send a present. She would enjoy her day. What would she like?....so many lovely things. She stood by the window, watching. her excitement: She had put on her best dress. Two spots of color brightened her cheeks. She was excited –like a child. Her heart beat fast.

reasons for her excitement: Birthday is a time for fun and celebration. 80th is a special birthday; not everyone has the luck to celebrate it. The birthday person likes to be surrounded by family members and relatives.

her disappointment: a card with the printed Happy Birthday a cheque A cheque is impersonal. The daughter did not take time to consider her mother’s favorite color or her favorite things. She did not consider her mother’s psychological need on this day. She was so insensitive to her possible reaction to a ‘present’. The card plus cheque symbolizes obligation but with no sincere feelings.

distant who to blame: Myra seldom writes to her mom. She left in a hurry after attending Enid’s funeral. She visited her mom three times in two years. She didn’t spare time to select a present for her mom’s 80th birthday.

Did Myra deserve it? It is ironic that Myra received an award for her work for the aged and yet treated her mother so shamefully. What she did was intended to help her husband get promoted instead of showing real concern for old people.

Buy yourself something nice with the cheque, Myra & Harold

My plan to celebrate my mom’s 50th birthday:

There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child. ---Henry Ward Beecher To love our parents is the first law of nature. --- Valevius Maximus