Slice of Life Story Challenge, Day 7 #sol19

Birthday moment…

The lights out and candles lit, I watched as the cake wobbled in.  As my oldest daughter, the carrier of the cake, initiated the singing of the traditional birthday song, I watched as she worked to balance the beautiful (but heavy) plate in front of her.  Step.  Step.  Whoa.  Step.  Two other daughters and wife soon joined in the singing.

I basked in the moment.

Celebrating at our own marred, paint-stained dining table (rather than the lovely and rustic Village Restaurant in town), I sighed…and silently gave thanks for my three year-old daughter’s improved health.  Only 18 hours prior to this cake-and-singing moment, my wife and I had been huddled with the toddler in the soft glow of a blue whale nightlight, as she vomited in the upstairs bathroom.  With her temperature soaring over 101 degrees, all plans for dining out were dashed.

So here we were… making the best of plan B.  And she felt better, I could tell. No more fever.  Using her new-found strength and pulling her chair close to mine, she said, “I’m gonna sit by you, Daddy!”

So sweet.

Someone once said, “There are people in the world who would give anything to have what you have.”  I guess I lean on that phrase for perspective.  To remember that I truly am so fortunate.  So fortunate.

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Author: Lanny Ball

For more than 29 years, Lanny has taught, coached, presented, staff developed, and consulted within the exciting and enigmatic world of literacy. With unyielding passion and belief in the possibility of workshop teaching, Lanny has worked to support students, teachers, and school administrators around the country in outgrowing themselves as both writers and readers. Working first as a classroom teacher, then as a coach and TCRWP Staff Developer, Lanny is now a literacy specialist, working and living in the great state of Connecticut. Outside of literacy, he enjoys raising his three ambitious young daughters with his wife, and playing the piano. Find him on this blog, as well as on Twitter @LannyBall. Lanny is also a former co-author of a blog dedicated to supporting writing teachers and coaches that maintain classroom writing workshops, twowritingteachers.org.

13 thoughts on “Slice of Life Story Challenge, Day 7 #sol19”

  1. Love the picture of the cake, but also the love that winds its way throughout every word of this post. My favorite birthdays have been at home around familiar table with familiar knicks and blemishes.

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    1. Yes! This post is full of love. The huddling in the bathroom. The gratitude for health. I could picture the scene… the cake wobbling in. I’m sure your family was happy to share this moment with you. Happy birthday!

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  2. There’s much to be said for counting one’s blessings. With that beautiful cake and the health of your toddler restored, what more could one ask for one’s birthday?

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  7. This slice speaks volumes of truth! My father always says, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything” So thankful that your daughter’s stomach settled and the virus faded in time for the Plan B Birthday at home! It’s a beautiful thing to be surrounded by family at home. Thanks for sharing!

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