An unconventional, though apropos, birthday dinner

The birthday boy has requested an unconventional, though apropos for him, meal.

He wants everyone to eat exactly what they want, and he’s offered to drive around the city collecting their goodies.

So, one person will enjoy a Shamrock Shake and a McCrispy sandwich. Another will eat the Jerk Joint’s oxtail. One stubborn person will be dining on the delicious leftover pea soup she’d made the day before even though every single person in the house had told her they would not eat it. Someone will eat a juicy cheeseburger and another will eat steak.

We’ll all chow down on the same dessert though.

Guess why? Banana cream pie.

My husband Vince likes everyone to be happy and well-fed on his birthday, and he likes to be a little silly too.

So, there will be a few joke presents at the table, and a couple of funny cards too. He’ll get plenty of phone calls today and he’ll hear the Happy Birthday song at least a half dozen times.

We’ll be gathered around a dining room table that has hosted his birthday parties since he was a small boy. We loved that, and we’re always happy to add another layer of stories to a wood finish thick with them.

Beyond the goofy gifts and unconventional food, we’ll feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

It’s been a good year for the family — we’ve added a son in-law on one coast and a granddaughter on the other, and we have another granddaughter on the way.

But, even beyond those blessings, I believe we all should celebrate our birthdays with exponential joy. Each moment is a gift (though some are undeniably challenging). Each day is a blessing (though they aren’t all easy). And, each year is an opportunity for growth.

Please join me in wishing Vince a very happy birthday.

Let the day of corny dad jokes begin.