Birthdays are Forever
by Charles C. Hall, Ed.D

It is de rigurur for attendees to a birthday party to deck themselves in gala party hats, have whistles and such available to honk and toot. This age-old custom was foresworn s couple of Saturdays ago when family and friends surprised Sara Hall on the 41st anniversary of her 39th birthday (do the math).

The party was common knowledge to all except the honoree. (It's a surprise. Get it?) It went off right well. As we parked the car at the old sanctuary of the Methodist Church, Sara wanted to know who was getting married. Nosy as ever, she poked her head in the door as I opened it, and a tumultuous "Happy Birthday!" shook the room.

Shock would not cover her response as she strode forward, mouth agape, hugging one and all as she circled the room. It is an amazement to all that the surprise carried so well. Not a word from the mouths of the knowledgeable gossips or kin.

After a light lunch, Mark delivered a touching ode to his mother, well-received by all.

I made a few meaningless remarks, but was troubled by a lonely lower which garbled my words. Just as well. I finally gave up on it, popped it into my hand and pocketed it. It embarrassed Sara but my grandkids seemed to think it "bully."

Julie took over and the first thing she uttered was, "This is the first time in my life I ever lied to my mother." (She said this to me earlier. I responded, "What's th' big deal? I do it all th' time.") But the three of them, Phil, Julie, and Mark, are squeakyclean honest. And I appreciate that.

Julie could hardly contain herself but had some nice comments for her mother as always. They are inveterate shoppers, and nothing seals a close companionship as does shopping with a loved one.

Sara felt the need to express her surprise and gratitude to all her friends who had kept the secret of the month, which she did. She's a remarkably young-looking 39-year-old who dearly loves her friends and family.

The photo accompanying this piece is the only one you'll see of the young (20) Sara Pollard Hall. She has instructed me that should she take the "first flight out," I am to place an "as is photo" in her obit.

So it goes.