I noticed that today’s date was exactly six months until my next birthday, making me 49 and a half. Six more months until AARP comes calling. Do you remember back when you were younger, and you just couldn’t wait to add that “half” to your age? Well, I do and I don’t think my son will ever forget his.
One summer day, August 7, 1997 to be precise, my son Evan had to miss a day of camp because he had strep throat. He was very upset because he was going to miss out on a day trip. I felt terrible and wracked my brain to think of something to cheer him up. Suddenly it occurred to me: it was six months to the day until his birthday, making him exactly seven and a half. I went into the kitchen and set to work.
I took a rectangular cake pan and divided it in half with foil. I then whipped up a chocolate cake batter, and poured it into one half of the pan. While it baked, the smell brought my kids running into the kitchen but I didn’t let them look in the oven. I believe I threatened to put THEM in the oven if they didn’t stay out of the kitchen. After the cake had cooled, I took the divider out and half the pan was empty. I then wrote the following message on the cake: “Hap Ha Birt De Ev!” I put 3 and ¾ candles (I had to take my shoes and socks off to figure that one out) on the cake. I lit them and summoned the kids back into the kitchen.
Find out what's happening in East Meadowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When Evan saw the cake he was so excited, especially when he figured out the message: “Happy Half Birthday Dear Evan!” We each had half a piece on half a plate. OK, I made that part up. But we did enjoy that half-birthday celebration and it became a family legend. Whenever one of us marks a half year, we remember the fun of the half-birthday cake. I never did it again, although the kids have asked me. I usually just respond (halfheartedly) that I don’t have the energy.
This reminds me of the best name for a horse that I’ve ever heard: “Hoof-Hearted.” Saw that in the newspaper one day. Say it out loud a few times and tell me that’s not funny. OK, hope I made you laugh today.
