Happy Birthday, Eron
Originally posted on January 24, 2008
Laurelin: (smiling) I saw Cassandra a little while ago in the kitchen “decorating” a birthday cake for Eli. Does that not mean it is also your birthday, Eron?
Eron: Yeah, it is, but it’s no big deal. I almost forgot about it.
Laurelin: Oh, you should not do that! Birthdays are important!
Eron: I guess. I used to get all excited about mine when I was a kid, but these days, I don’t so much. I stopped expecting any fuss when my grandmother …………sorry. Of all days I should try to be happy today.
Laurelin: One single day can contain both joy and sorrow. It is all right to be a little sad, even on a happy day.
Eron: You’re right. And once again, all it takes is hearing you say that, to help me put it into perspective. So……..want to help me celebrate my birthday?
Laurelin: Of course I will. How will we do that?
Eron: Hmmmm, good question. Guess I’m a little old for party hats and noisemakers, but at least I don’t have to worry about the birthday spanking thing anymore.
Laurelin: Birthday spanking? Oh, you are teasing me!
Eron: No, actually I’m not. Humans have this weird tradition. They give kids spankings on their birthdays; one good “tap” for each year old they are.
Laurelin: That is terrible! They do this even if the child has done nothing wrong?
Eron: Unfortunately, yeah, some do. Has nothing to do with behavior. But I agree, the whole thing is stupid - kind of a bad tradeoff for the loads of presents little kids usually get on birthdays. When you get older, it gets better. When you get older you’re more likely to be kissed than spanked.
Laurelin: Yes, that is much better. We elves also give gifts on birthdays. But I did not know it was your birthday, Eron, so I did not prepare anything to give you, to make your day special.
Eron: Hey, like I said, I pretty much forgot about it too. I have to say, though…
Laurelin: What, Eron?
Eron: Every day here has been special lately. Because I’ve gotten to spend so much time with you.
Laurelin: I am glad of that. You must have at least one birthday kiss, then, to make it different than any other day of your visit.
Laurelin: But that felt like it was …. for me. Perhaps I should give you another…..
Eron: Maybe a kiss - no matter how hard you try - can’t be given away…
Eron: Because after all, Laurelin…..
Eron: ….they are meant to be shared.