Benny and The Cake

My Mom is no longer with us but the happy memories of my birthdays celebrated with her each year will always make me smile. June is my birth month and on the 19th I will be fondly remembering all the times my Mom sang Happy Birthday to me in person or over the phone. She made sure she was the first person to send best wishes or call me. Her and my Dad would belt out a warbly greeting in terrible harmony but it truly was the funniest, sweetest sound ever. I wish I had a recording of their performance. Good thing for anyone to remember to do.

My Mom had a wee worry doll. She had it for decades. She called it Benny and he/she was tucked in her purse for as long as I can remember. Benny used to have clothes but they wore off from my Mom worrying a lot. Each birthday when the cake arrived she would pull out Benny and set him on the table. ‘Benny will ward off any worries you might have for the coming year.’ she’d declare.

Not all cakes from my Mom for my birthday were fancy or home baked. Often they were store-bought, typically vanilla with some sort of lemon and they were delicious.

These birthday cake traditions warm my heart. Benny will forever be a charming memory of passing years.

Here’s to 65 in 10 days.

I do believe that Mom and Dad are here near me, watching my life continue. I will absolutely feel their presence this month and I am so grateful for all the Benny experiences we shared together.

Patti xo