Happy Birthday, Maddie

Our daughter turned 16 today. We gave her a bracelet made of spoons (so that she’ll never run out) and a one-cup blender for making smoothies, and then my wife went to her closet and got a package my mum sent four years ago to be opened on this day. Inside were half a dozen pottery figurines that were on the mantel when I was a kid.

I wish mum was here, but I’m pleased that the last gift she will ever give was to my daughter. Happy Birthday, Maddie—you’ve come a long way.