One evening, when I was a little girl in the 1950s, I pulled a tooth and put it under my pillow – anticipating the usual quarter that it would earn. I woke up, and under my pillow was a dime. A dime? That wasn’t enough! My father seemed amused and said to keep looking. I kept looking. Between the mattress and the box springs, I found a nickel. Keep looking! Inside the pillowcase, I found another dime. What fun! I had my 25 cents, but I got it via a mini-hunt. That was so much more exciting than a solitary quarter directly under the pillow! That excitement stayed in my memory.
Fast forward about 25 years, and my own daughter lost her first tooth. Remembering the fun of that long ago morning, I wrote out some rhyming clues for her and had her looking throughout the house for money and gifts. I AM my father’s daughter, after all – and that meant that I went all out on whatever I did – and if I was going to be a scavenger hunt tooth fairy, then I would make the most elaborate scavenger hunt with rhyming clues that I possibly could. Thus, throughout their childhoods, my two children celebrated each tooth – each special occasion – with increasingly convoluted hunts and rhymes.
Fast forward another 25 years, and my daughter did the same for her girls. My daughter even called me one time to teasingly chastise me for getting her into such a time-consuming endeavor. Being a scavenger-hunt-creating tooth fairy is a lot of work!
Fast forward, again, to yesterday when I celebrated my 75th birthday. First thing in the morning, I received the following text in the family text thread:
75 trips around the sun,
So much love and so much fun!!
We have thought long and hard about the best way to celebrate you!
The best mother and GC that any kids or grandkids ever knew!
As little kids the best surprise came with a hunt;
It’s the only way to get the special thing you want!
Birthday wishes throughout the day,
But none of us will give it away.
Later today you will get your first clue and a special treat!
Which of your family will deliver something so sweet?
We love you so!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!
Throughout the day I had phone calls and texts from my children, my children’s spouses, and each of my granddaughters. Then last night Ron and I went out to eat at a favorite restaurant in Nashville. When we got home, we settled in our recliners, and suddenly there was Joey, Meleah, Evelyn, and Bradley at the door – with a birthday cake and another rhymed clue. The cake was chocolate and scrumptious, and the clue was fun!
Happy 75th birthday!
Today is just the first clue
How many days will we celebrate you?
1 day, 2 days, 3 or more
Each day it is you we will adore.
Tomorrow you shall received clue number 2
A treat there will await you.
Where shall you go?
Where your skin will glow!
At 11:00 a.m. cash this token in
And you will get your first win!
Love,
Your family
So this morning at 11:00 this morning, I went to Meleah’s business, pureSkin Wellness and had a Glow2Facial – which makes my skin feel absolutely wonderful. As I was about to leave, I saw a paper propped next to my purse. Another clue!
Hope you enjoyed your very first win
And feel that gorgeous glow on your skin.
Tomorrow it’s going to be a sweet treat
And a video meet and greet!
We know you love your grandgirls and us all
So anytime with them is always a ball.
Tomorrow there is a call you shall take
And a sweet visit with a cupcake.
Will the big surprise end there?
We shall keep you on the edge of your chair.
Happy birthday!
Love,
Your family
So I am eagerly anticipating tomorrow. “Video meet and greet” sounds exciting! I’m guessing it may be one of the older grandgirls who are off being all grown up and independent in other cities. Or maybe it’s Larisa who has been out of town since the weekend. I am perfectly okay with celebrating my birthday for multiple days. When you’re 75, it’s a good thing!
Living Real With Carol 