Some days I know where my pie is going right from the start. Inside my cupboard I have a small slip of paper with a list of the birthdays of some of my friends – and as you may have guessed, today is Amber’s birthday.
Amber and I met a number of years ago at a restaurant where I was the head baker and she was a waitress. After a while, it seemed that waitressing was losing it’s appeal and Amber thought that she might like to give baking a try. She was an apt student and soon was preparing everything we served with ease. It was great to have someone who could do my job and who cared as much as I did.
Amber and I shared some special moments over the time that we worked together. I remember when she introduced me to the man that she would marry. I watched them as they shared a meal and was impressed by the way that they seemed oblivious to the people around them – that was something to see. And while I was not at her wedding (I think it was a “family only” affair) I did make a cake for the celebration. I was just tickled to be included in that small circle.
While we worked, Amber and I talked about many things – children, parents, and a host of other subjects. I am especially grateful to her for introducing me to the work of Marianne Williamson. I have referred to her book “A Return to Love” many times and seem to learn something new with each reading.
When I brought Amber her pie today, she reminded me that I had written “Happy Birthday” on the sidewalk outside her house when she lived near me. It had been so much fun to surprise her then. And it was equally special to surprise her today with an Apple Almond Pie. Amber, I hope that this birthday is as special as you are.
To close, I will leave you with this quote from A Return to Love:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
Pie a Day Give Away 
I’m wiping tears off of my cheeks as I write this. Karen, you are such a genuine, loving, and giving human being. I’m so appreciative of the years we shared working together and knowing each other. I couldn’t have been more surprised, or touched, to see you walking through the door with a beautiful, delicious, love- filled pie for my birthday. Thank you for making me feel so special, and for being as special as you are.