Birthday Books

Well, the ol' birthday rolls around again. Today marks the start of my 33rd year and my only wish is for everyone I love to be healthy, happy, and safe. Oh, and I also wish this dang rain would stop because I will be in heels tonight.

Anyway, I'm not a big present person but I have to tell you that I got the best one last night. When I arrived home, I found a rectangular package waiting for me in the storage room. "Borders" was typed across the front of it, so I knew it held something I could read--always a plus. Upstairs in my teeny kitchen I pulled off the wrapping paper and saw the cherubic face of little Frank Bruni beaming back at me. The note read: "Dear Cath, Happy Birthday! Love, Lawrence."

Lawrence is my oldest brother, and he is one of the most well-read and eloquent people I have ever met. He knows how excited I've been to read Born Round, so of course he bought it for me before I could buy it for myself. It's an absolutely wonderful birthday gift. Thank you, Law! I'll post a review after I finish it.

For now, it's time to walk to work and let go of the hope for good hair. Even though it's raining, today will be a nice day for me but it will be a hard one for so many others who remember the loved ones they lost on this morning in 2001. They should never be forgotten.