Every Groundhogs Day, our Mom could count on family, colleagues and friends to ask her the same question – Have you seen your shadow today?

You see, Mom was born on Groundhogs Day 1932. Her very close friend pictured with her – Marlene McElfresh – was born just two months later. The two of them – along with several other “girls” were friends from Elementary School through the ends of their lives. Mom passed in 2008, Marlene in 2012.

Mom is the one with the red hair, hence the nickname Sparky. Marlene, if you can see it, has quite the grin on her face. Our mom, as you can see, laughs in delight. The joke? It was mom’s birthday and when she cut into the cake, the frosting covered a cardboard box. And that smile? Well, it was pure mom. She loved a good joke but also believed in living a life of joy, no matter what.

I was fortunate enough to be in on the joke. It was her 40^th birthday, meaning I was almost 16. My job was to keep mom occupied after school. It was an elaborate scheme. First, a trip to Granny Red’s house – mom’s mom – as a ploy. Granny Red wasn’t there, but there were “Happy Birthday” signs, “Surprise” signs, etc. Mom grinned knowingly. Or so she thought.

We ran other errands. I kept remembering things I forgot. But, I got my part done. I got her home not suspecting a thing. I don’t recall how we got her out to Bill’s and Marlene’s. Probably Dad made an excuse or one of Mom’s other girlfriends gathered her up.

The details don’t really count.

What matters is that smile. Through it, and her demeanor, we learned to be joyful, no matter what. Sure, there were times when it was tough for her. She was on her heels a few times like the rest of us. But, she kept smiling. Right up to the very end.

Now, that’s a legacy. A birthday gift from her to us.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2026.