July 9th
I told Mom about Freddie's birthday, but she just looked even sadder than normal. I was so disappointed. I'd tried to make things better but, as usual, I'd just made things worse.
But a few hours later I noticed that she was writing lists on a piece of paper.
"We need a cake," she said, "and some sandwiches and music. Oh, and you have to talk to your English teacher, Safi, and see if we can use the community center."
I couldn't believe it. She was starting to sound really excited!
"Do you remember my surprise party last year, darling?" she said. "You made me feel so happy. Well, Freddie doesn't have anyone here to do that for him, does he? So we'll have to be his family and make his birthday as happy as mine was."
Then she gave me a big hug and said, "Thank you for taking care of me, Safi. You've been very strong, but it's time I started being your Mom again and taking care of you."
One "happy thought" is enough for today. I have my mom back!
July 15th
Freddie's birthday - what a fantastic day! When I went to get him, I could see he was excited.
"What did you buy me?" he joked.
"Nothing," I replied and tried very hard to look sorry.
"Don't apologize, Safi," he said. "I know you don't have any money."
"I didn't buy anything, but I'm giving you this!" I laughed and gave him... my elephant bag. He didn't want to accept it at first.
"But you brought this from your country! I know how much it means to you!" he said.
"And it reminds you of your country too, Freddie, so I want you to have it, I replied.
I don't expect him to use it. It's not that kind of present. He knows it's not just a bag in the shape of an elephant. It's so much more than that. I think he's probably the only person in the world that understands. And he needs it more than me, you see. I have my mom here, but his mom's far away.
We walked to the community center in a friendly silence. When we got there, my mom ran toward us with a big smile on her face. "Happy Birthday, Freddie!" she said.
She led him into the big hall, which was absolutely full of people. There were food and drinks on the tables, and a big pile of presents on one of the chairs.
Freddie spent a long time looking around him without saying a word. Then he whispered something to my mom and his shoulders started to shake. Oh, no. This isn't what I'd expected. He was crying! Mom quickly put her arms around him and hugged him tightly, just like she used to hug Jay. They stayed like that for a long time. I became even more worried when I saw that Mom was crying, too. Maybe this party wasn't such a good idea after all.
But then somebody put some lively music on and everyone shouted, "Happy Birthday!" Mom used her handkerchief to dry Freddie's tears, then gently touched his hair and smiled.
"It's time to stop crying and start enjoying ourselves," she said.