Nell: It’s an important day today.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Alice is 36.
Me: How can she be 36, Nell? My little girl.
Nell: She certainly doesn’t look it.
Me: No.
Nell: I’ve written a poem for her. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Yes, please.
Nell: ‘Darling Alice you are 36 today
We love you much more than words can say.
Even though we are living so far apart
We carry you constantly here in our hearts.
Your mother is wishing so much she could fly
To be with you and Faye Raine and dear Jonathan Sky.
But sometimes the things that you want to do most
Just can’t happen, so may I suggest that some toast
And a nice cup of tea might help things along,
And a slice of cake later and a bit of a song?
Have a wonderful day
Surrounded by love
From near and from far
And from those above
Who cannot be there
But would want me to say
They are watching over you
Every second, of every day.
So Happy Birthday Alice
Mother, daughter and wife
We will always be thankful
To have you in our life.’
Me: That was lovely, Nell.
Nell: There will be cake later.
Me: Is Poppy baking one?
Nell: Yes, she’s busy making pancakes with maple syrup.
Me: Oh yes, it’s Canadian Thanksgiving today.
Nell: David as an honorary Canadian is wearing a Mountie hat.
Me: Why is Dave an honorary Canadian?
Nell: Something to do with his status as a mountain dog.
Me: He’s not a mountain dog. He’s just big enough to be one.
Nell: Actually, we’re all honorary Canadians today with Chris living in Toronto. So Happy Thanksgiving.
Me: Yes.
Nell: It’s okay to miss Alice you know. We all do.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
