My daughter-in-law laughed as she gave me a $2 scratch-off for my 73rd birthday. Ten months later, my own son shoved a senior living brochure in front of me and said, “We already picked your room.” They thought I was too old to fight back. They had no idea what I had been hiding.

Inside was a framed photograph of the grandchildren.

No expensive wrapping, no performance.

She handed it over and said, “I thought you might like this.”

“I do,” I answered.

We ate roast chicken and green beans.

The children talked about school.

Helen joined us for dessert, and her stories rescued the table whenever conversation threatened to stall.

I didn’t mention the house, the lease, or the lottery.