Behind the Wax Seal

January 24, 2003
Sarah couldn't resist any longer, so she finally gave in to the urge, stuck her finger into the cake, and took out a nice big glob of icing which she promptly ate. Grandmothers seem to have an uncanny sixth sense when it comes to these kinds of things, and this was no exception. “Sarah, that’s for later! You don’t want to spoil your appetite, do you? You’ll have a chance to blow out the candles and have a nice piece of birthday cake in a bit!” “Ok, Grandma,” she answered, smiling as she licked the rest of the icing from her finger. Sarah was seven years old today, and her birthday party was at her favorite place – Grandma’s house. Sarah’s grandmother was strict when it came to eating on time, table etiquette, and not eating anything sweet before dinner, but she was incredibly generous when it came to lavishing love and attention on Sarah. Today Grandma was indulging one of Sarah’s favorite games, “dress up.” Grandma knew that soon she would have to deal with the ransacked drawers in her bedroom, but for now she was telling Sarah how beautiful she looked in her grown up clothes and make up.
“Sarah,” Grandma said, “Dinner’s almost ready, so tell everyone to wash up and come sit down at the table!” Sarah ran, almost tripping on her “ballroom gown,” to get cousins, aunts, uncles, and her parents. “Dinner’s ready!”
She couldn't wait. Grandma’s dinners were always so good and so much fun. Everything always smelled so wonderful. She took her seat as she heard others coming up the steps and into the kitchen. After dinner, there would be cake, presents, and people singing happy birthday! This could not be a better day.