The Selfish Family
by sharyn anderson
(Ontario, Canada)
It was grandfathers' birthday. He was 79. He got up early, shaved, showered, combed his hair and put on his Sunday best so he would look nice when they came.
He skipped his daily walk to the town cafe where he had coffee with his cronies. He wanted to be home when they came.
He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street when they drove up to celebrate his birthday.
At noon, he got tired but decided to forgo his nap so he could be there when they came. Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.
He has five married children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. One son and daughter live within ten miles of his place. They hadn't visited him for a long time. But today was his birthday, and they were sure to come.
At suppertime, he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have dessert with him.
After supper, he sat on the porch waiting. At 8:30, he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before retiring, he left a note on the door, which read, "Be sure to wake me up when they come."
It was Grandfathers' birthday. He was 79.
** Found this clipping in my stuff and thought l'd share.
