Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. -- Chili Davis

She sits at home lamenting the passing of time. She took the afternoon off and thought there might be a phone call or possibly something in the mail, yet the mailman brought nothing but bills and the phone had been absolutely silent. Another birthday came and was ready to pass. She mindlessly clicked through a barren wasteland of television programs landing on nothing, feeling more anxious and abandoned with every passing moment.

Then the doorbell rang.

Good afternoon. The man before her is a delivery man but he was the cutest guy shed seen in awhile.

Can I help you? she asks.

Yes. If you could sign here, He points to his computer clipboard.

Sure. She smiles, scribbling on the touch screen.

The man turns to go, Oh, and happy birthday.

What? She begins to blush.

Its on the packing slip. He smiles and walks away.

Uh, she pauses, thanks.

Youre welcome, he calls as he gets into his delivery van.

Shes still glowing as she answers the ringing phone, Hello.

Happy birthday, dear.

Mom?

What? Did you think Id forget?

Oh, I dont know.

I wish I could be there, but theres a thousand miles between you and me.

Im just glad you called.

Say, there should be a package coming. Its my birthday gift for you.

You know, the delivery guy just brought something to the door a few minutes ago.

That might be it. Sure hope you enjoy it.

Im sure I will, Mom.

Both were quiet for a moment.

Mom?

Yes.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Thanks.

Well, Ill leave you to open your birthday gift. Call me sometime.

She presses the off button on the phone and examines the package. Among all the packing peanuts she discovers a unique kitchen gift. She immediately recognizes that it is something she could really use, but never would have thought to purchase it. Tears well up in her eyes as she removes the all-grown-up European Glass Teapot and cups. She had always invited her mom to her childhood tea parties. Perhaps Mom would come to another tea party a thousand miles from home.

There was a call she needed to make. ...

Bits and pieces of real life are played out everyday when young and old alike receive unique kitchen gifts as birthday presents.

There are so many choices when it comes to birthday gift giving, but most people spend a good deal of time in the kitchen and a kitchen gift provides a wonderfully remembered birthday present that is highly useful and decorative.

The tradition of gift giving is an engrained part of our cultural life. When you take the time to thoughtfully choose a birthday gift, it is most often one of the recipients most remembered birthday presents.

Special moments may be few are far between, but a kitchen gift may provide one of the best reasons to recall one of those best moments - a delivery guy, a phone call from Mom and a promised tea party.