The children came to visit and called me a poor housekeeper.
The day before my birthday, I started getting the food ready for the celebration. I asked my husband to peel the vegetables and chop up the salad, while I browned the meat and handled the other dishes myself. I thought Id prepared a splendid, hearty meal that would feed my whole family. On the morning of my birthday, my husband and I popped over to the bakery for a large, and most importantly, fresh cake that I knew my grandchildren would absolutely adore.
The first to arrive at the party were my son, his wife, and their little one, followed by my eldest daughter with her two children, and finally my middle daughter with her husband and their children. Everyone gathered at the table and there was soon a lively rattle of spoons and forks. It looked as though everyone was tucking in heartily; there was plenty of food to go around. The grandchildren ate so much that they ended up smearing the wallpaper with their grubby hands, and the grown-ups managed to spill all manner of things on the tablecloth. While we were having tea, my eldest daughter turned to me and said,
You hardly put anything out Weve eaten, but what now?
Her words really struck a nerve. Even though she said it in jest and the others laughed, I felt quite hurt. Its true that I always try to save a little extra to send home with the children, but its no small feat to prepare food for such a large family. Ive only got small pans and a modest oven, and I cant very well spend my whole pension on one party.
Dont worry, my dear, my husband whispered to me in the kitchen as we brought out the cake, if everything wasnt delicious, thered be plenty left. You could give them your recipes, let them cook for a change. And really, next time, they ought to bring something themselves. Theres so many of themjust the two of us here.
Sometimes I wonder, as I tidy up after everyone has gone, whether they truly realise all the effort and love I put into these gatherings. I suppose thats familyjokes, messes, and the occasional sharp word, but always plenty of memories.
