Did they bake you a cake?

On 04/12/25 will be the the 6th birthday of mums not celebrated.

I watched in silence as you opened your presents,
each one a struggle, your arthritic fingers trembling
as they searched for an opening between taped edges.
Gifts, once unwrapped, were given a cursory glance, put to one side,
if clothes these neatly folded.
Envelopes were then handed to you ready openend,
the card half exposed making it easier for you,
this "our" way on your birthday and mother's day.
Each and every word then read aloud,
a hint of excitement, joy, tinging your voice if a rhyming verse found,
this always and ever your favourite style of greeting, message.
When done you settled back in your recliner
clasping a lukewarm, half cup of tea,
this lifted shakily to your thin, cracked lips to sip.
As you did this a question played on my mind,
but not wanting to disturb, distract you, this not asked.
So I have spent the morning wondering,
wondering as to whether or not the angels baked you a cake...

Author's Note

Sad :((

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a profound slice of humanity and it puts me to shame. I am so unsentimental, I can't remember details from anyone's birthday ever in my life, even tho I attended hundreds. I am in awe of how you come up with the most heartfelt details which show your own compassionate nature to a high level. It's becuz I'm a tough old bird that I appreciate your tenderness all the more (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Hi Margie, it's the "missing" and inner sadness that find the words I think. Saying that, there have been regimes in my life when briefly I would quite happily have been an orphan just so that I had no family dramas.
Hope you are well and the book is coming.
Thank you

[barleygirl]

I finished! 300 pgs in 6 weeks (which still amazes me when just a year ago, I could hardly remember ten things at once!) Still weeks of manicuring & embellishing. A WC angel offered to edit & he's doing a meticulous & intelligent job. I feel so honored by this gift!

[Lorry]

They would have done Gee, but not to her liking.
The opening of the gifts and cards brought back memories of my own mum, taking more time folding the paper neatly, than she gave to the gifts. But they always love those cards and smile, even if they dont want to.
Im sure they have all learned how to make tea to her liking too, you don't mess about with a mothers tea.
Beautiful words Gee.

[Gee]

Thank you Lorry. Hope you're warmer than I am :(

[redzone]

most likely cake, ice cream, balloons and lots of rhyming cards with this poem being her favorite of all.... sorry for your loss Gee, their passing always leaves a hole in our hearts...

[Gee]

Thank you kindly Red

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Loved this Gee it brought me some tears and memories your description of your mum sitting sipping her lukewarm tea after opening her presents I pictured my mum as she did this too watching us all on Xmas morning In my case but yours her birthday xx
My mum died five years ago so sorry for your loss and yes I’m sure she had a birthday cake xx and did miss her daughter she’s always with you x

[Gee]

Thank you kindly Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Of course the angels baked your mum a cake Gee. I have that on special authority :) Good morning to you on a sad day. Anniversaries are so damn hard aren't they? Sorry for your understandable sadness.

Chris

[Gee]

Hi Christine, mum's birthday was 04/12, tried to write a little somethings but failed.
Hope all is well with you and you have donned your thermals :))
Thank you

[Chris Shaw]

More like wellie boots today Gee. Rivers are flooding again. Thames as well as the Kennet. Yes, thermals needed as well. Hope your day goes well. Take care while you grieve for your lovely Mum.

Chris

[Gee]

Thanks Christine. Keeping busy.
Take care

[Chris Shaw]

Busy helps and time softens. Takes the edge off the rawness. Take care.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i imagine they did...probably the best cake she ever had...and her only regret would be that she was not still here to share it with you.
j.

[Gee]

Thank you Jacob.
Hope all is well your side of the pond :))