Victoria and my daughter have been friends since they were in grade school. They were similar in several ways: they had red hair and freckles, they loved to make art projects, and they were smart and liked to do well in school. Now they are young women who are smart, beautiful, funny, and caring. When I see them together, I feel optimistic about the future of the planet.
One day when she was about 5, Victoria came to our house to play. As dinnertime approached, Alexandra asked Victoria to eat with us. She said that she needed to ask permission first, so she called home and then reported that her Mom had said it was okay. After dinner, her Mom, Karen, came to pick Victoria up. She shared that when Victoria had called her she had said, “Mom they’re having macaroni and cheese for dinner… and it didn’t come out of a box. It’s a casserole!” I was honored to have been held in such high esteem by a small child.
Tomorrow Victoria will turn 23 years old, so tonight I brought a Chocolate Cream Pie to her house. I thought it might be nice to start her birthday celebration a bit early since tomorrow’s schedule sounded like it was already pretty full. However, at the time I delivered the pie, I forgot to say this: “Dear Victoria, may the coming year bring you all the joy and happiness you deserve. Happy, Happy Birthday!”
“Some people make your laugh a little louder, your smile a little brighter, and your life a little better.”— Unknown
Pie a Day Give Away 
Mmmm, that’s a pretty one!
Thanks Caroline! And under the whipped cream the darkest chocolate pudding – very rich!