On Christmas Eve,
Rosie was full of good cheer
as she delivered cookie trays
throughout the neighborhood.
A few mornings later,
when I was running with the dogs,
one of my neighbors drove by and stopped to chat.
She thanked me for the cookie tray
and admitted that her birthday was the 30th
and she'd already gotten a birthday present -
a pair of socks from her husband,
given to her by her daughter early.
I didn't ask for an explanation about that.
I figgered it was still a sore spot.
That's pathetic.
So, I went home and wrapped up
one of my Trapp Candles that I always buy extra of
at Christmas time.
Why, yes.
I have pity gifts too.
I made a house!
And that's marshmallow smoke.
I was feeling very Martha Stewart that day.
So on the 30th,
I was out with the dogs that morning
and stopped by my neighbor's house,
apologizing to her when she answered the door
still in her bathrobe,
for stopping by at half past the ass crack of dawn.
But look, I'm bearing a gift.
I explained to her:
"You know how everybody always keeps pity gifts
on hand at Christmas time just in case
somebody stops by with a present for you
and you really didn't get anything for them?
She shook her head, yes.
"Well, this is the ultimate pity gift for you.
Socks suck.
Happy Birthday."
I think she was touched.
Rosie, you ROCK!it
ReplyDeleteOne does not give one socks for a birthday present.
ReplyDeleteOr a cleaning appliance! Amen and Hallelujah!
ReplyDelete