Little Guy's birthday was absolutely great. He requested pizza for his birthday meal, and as the pizza joint he loves the most is a few blocks from my parents' house, his entire birthday party became takeout.

My parents furnished a great, green seedless watermelon, one of LG's favorites. Sweet and rosy, just like the Guest of Honor Himself. Sitting at the picnic table, he took it all in and said, I feel like I'm in heaven!, his entire face a grin, one of those smiles that lights up the place.

After we left the party, we continued the celebration by stopping at the store so that he might choose a new fishing rod (bright, candy-apple red). He and Big Guy went fishing together as we sat lakeside and took in the beautiful day.

LG continued his birthday festivities by challenging me to a game of lawn tennis upon our return home. We were just heading into the house after the game for the ritual slice of watermelon when the neighborhood boys came to see if LG wanted to play.

Yes, LG said. It's my birthday today, he said. Well, happy birthday, replied one friend. Let's go over to my house.

LG's birthday ended with my calling to him across the lawns and rising fireflies at dusk.

Our Little Guy is growing up.

Our Big Guy is growing up.

Both are healthy, and happy more often than not. If ever there was a time to stop and smell the roses, this is it. And for this, I am most thankful.

Don't forget to stop for your own roses, dear reader, whatever or whoever they may be.

comic strips courtesy of http://www.mutts.com/