I used to tell my children stories about 

My rosy childhood.

And then one day when they were older,

I finally broke down

And told them the truth.

And they told me,

"We always knew!"

And I asked, "How?!"

And they explained,

"Because we know you so well!

And we know your family,

And even if we didn't,

We can see

How you treat yourself 

On your own birthday:

You get up like you always do

And pour what's left out of yesterday's

Lo-carb Monster Energy

With a squeeze of lime,

And feed the cats,

And take time to hug us and tell us good morning,

And ask us what we want to eat.

And we've tried giving you nice things for your birthday,

But you always say you don't need anything,

And we know you would never ask 

Even if you did."

And then the younger son stepped up 

And said, "I got you something, anyway,"

And handed me a rock,

A small plain-Jane one he said 

He found in our back yard.

And then he kissed me on my cheek.

And truly, it is exactly what I would have wanted,

If I ever would have wanted anything for my birthday.

And so today I feel such peace,

Because I know there are a few people

Who know me

And love me anyway!

-jenn