Dear Reader Column 05-28-09

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Dear Reader,

I retired my bell yesterday, the one that's been sitting on the table, next to my bed, for the past three weeks. My wonderful husband waited on me every day while I was recovering from surgery. Ding, ding, ding, anything I wanted or needed, even a back rub at 3 a.m. and he was more than a willing spirit. I have a new appreciation for caregivers. When I'm fully recovered I'm going to be on the lookout for the opportunity to give a caregiver a night off. What a never-ending, tireless job.

Everyone should have a bell some time in their life and the opportunity to ding, ding and a loving person comes and waits on them. Your own personal bell is one of those gifts from the heart. So when my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday this past Tuesday I told him he'd already given me a gift. His loving attention for the past three weeks has been one of the best birthday presents this girl has ever received. And the neat thing is that even when my recovery is over I'll have the memories of a loving husband who was at my side when I needed him the most.

Gifts from the heart and homemade food have always been at the top of the list of my favorite presents. I remember the homemade Zucchini Bisque my good friend Linda made and then served at a cozy birthday lunch. And now I can add an Angel Food Cake with pink frosting and sprinkles to my list. I'd told my husband that no gifts were necessary, but I'm so glad he baked a cake and decorated it anyway. It was the best cake I've ever eaten and of course I made a wish before I blew out the candles because dreams still do come true.

Ding, ding, go to http://tinyurl.com/pevwp5 and win your own bell. I have 6 personally autographed bells for readers, see my pink Angel Food Birthday Cake, and you'll find the recipe for Linda's delicious Zucchini Bisque.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Eloisa James, This Duchess of Mine; Sabrina Jeffries, Don't Bargain with the Devil, Book 5; Patrick Robinson, Diamondhead; Marie Bostwick, A Thread of Truth; and Carla Neggers, The Angel. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

This month's PENGUIN CLASSICS book is The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt. To comment on the book and enter the Penguin Classics Drawing, go to: http://tinyurl.com/MayClassics

Comments

[susana]

H appy Belated Birthday (55? I was sure you were odler than me). lol. I got you by 5 years! susana

[susana]

I wanted to add, the Cookies were Great and we still have a few left.Had a couples day bad, the day after recieveing them my dog was put to sleep, becasue she was so sick. They told me she not only had Cushings disease but also cancer, diabetes and pancreasitis, and that it would be inhumane to try and save her. She was vomiting up so bad they sedated her and then euthanized her 4 hours later. I got so sick and traumatized by it all, the same night was rushed to the Emergency room. I got so dehydrated and convulsive I had to be rehydrated bya drip for two hours. I never knew I would be so affected by the loss of a pet. Nikkilou rest in peace. Those cookies came in handy to soothe a frustrated soul and my grief. Knowing I had friends that cared also helped. Feeling better today but miss her, for she was like a shadown always at my heels. The pictures I sent were our last. I am glad I thought to take my camera with me. She died 3;15 June 12, 2009.