Can a Birthday get any stranger?

We have a tradition in the Golden/Stevens family that a birthday lunch is always held on the Sunday closest to a family members actual birthday. Last Sunday, it was my mom's lunch. Dad set up the whole thing and told me to bring the cake and a particular present He had is all planned out. I was happy to let him do the planning, but as the saying goes...The best laid plans of mice and men....

When we arrived at Mom and Dad's house, the steaks were coming off the grill, the salad and beans were on the table, and everything was set. We were ready to eat - and we did. It was yummy as usual. My dad can really make a great salad and mom never misses with anything. Plus, I had made be most moist and scrumptious chocolate cake for dessert. And I even had candles!

The only real problem was that both the grown children had forgot their presents for their dear mom. But, she galantly took it in stride and said some soppy motherly thing, like we were all she needed. (pause for awe, isn't she the best)

As usual, the children finished their food first and were excused to run outside and play. Presently, one of them popped his/her head back in the kitchen and asked where Jake was. Jake is the geriatric dog in the family. He is also not the smartest dog in the kennel and so we all started looking for him. The family fanned out in different directions. We called for him, but there was no thumping tailed answer in response. Then I bent down and peeked under a bush. I saw a tail. It was brown with small black stripes across the back and furry. I called to Jake and sill no tail thump, Uh Oh...Isaac confirmed our worst thoughts when he poked Jake with a stick and declared him hard as a rock.

We gathered shovels and the family headed to the back part of the property. The men dug a grave while us women watched. Sometimes one of the kids would pick up a spade and begin to dig, but mostly they just played. When all was said and done, Jake was laid to rest. We said our goodbyes to the old family dog and went back to the house to have birthday cake.