My mother celebrated her 58th birthday in January. She did so by cooking her own birthday dinner. We had invited her to our house and I was going to provide dinner (remember I do not cook, so it probably would have been in the form of a square box via delivery). When she arrived wearing oven mitts I knew I was in trouble. Towards the end of the delightful dinner my mother announced she had a wonderful year, thanks to all of us. Alright. You’re welcome.

There was more. After gushing about how we all made her year she handed us each a sealed envelope. Everyone got one, including our 4 year old son who can’t read. First reaction was “What the hell is this?” I mean come on, first you cook your own birthday dinner, then you hand us cards? I know we’ve always been a little on the dysfunctional side, but this is high-society creepy weird.

It was a thank you card - with those exact words on the front. Mine stated:

Emily,
Thank you so much for being a daughter I can be so proud of.
It has been another year in which I am in awe of the young lady you are.
Thank you for another great year.
Love, Mother

I don’t know if they make a medication for that kind of crazy? But isn’t she a beautiful crazy 58?