I am preparing this family heirloom for its next caretaker.  I am quite familiar with this plate because it was featured at nearly every birthday party my grandmother hosted.  And she hosted many!  Birthdays were important to her, and every opportunity to celebrate a birthday, especially a grandchild’s birthday, was an excuse to bake a cake and have a party.  

Further, it was essential that the birthday was celebrated ON THE DAY.  No substitutes or convenient alternatives were allowed.  I’m not sure where this requirement came from.  Perhaps she did not like that her own birthday, July 2, was overshadowed by the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.  Or that her son’s on December 20, was so close to Christmas.  Or her sister’s, the next day, even closer.  Whatever the cause, she made it clear to everyone that birthdays were special and protected events.  It is why I will never forget hers.

[I make this post on July 2, honoring her and everyone else whose birthday is today.]