Interlude

It's a shame that someone in the family has to die to get everyone else together but that's the way it goes. After my aunt's memorial service we all went over to my cousin John's house for a massive party. Aunt Jean would have loved it if she could have been there. It was just the kind of party she always hosted, full of stories and laughs. Cousin Shari, 57, told us about her grandson Michael's fourth birthday party. About fifteen people were present: grandparents and cousins, uncles and aunts, and all were sitting at the big dining table which was covered with gifts. Michael opened his first present and it was a robot dog, the cool toy of the year. Michael wasn't that crazy about robot dogs but still smiled and said thank you. Then he opened his second gift. It was a similar, bigger robot dog. Michael exclaimed, "Oh no! Not ANUDDER one!" His mother's eyebrows shot up in horror and she quickly escorted Michael out of the room for a brief talk. When they re-entered the dining room and sat down again at the table, Michael gave a pained smile to the gift giver. "Thank you vewwy much."