Sheila Williams ~ Singing Cloud

THE BEST BIRTHDAY I EVER HAD – SEPTEMBER 10, 1967

Ten winters, a special day, one of my own choosing, what was to be my gift, as grandmother smiled so slyly, whispered words and hurried glances passed around my family.

A child who seldom spoke, smiles nearly unknown, too solemn by far or so I was often told, stop frowning child you will be old before you’re grown.

Not often could they afford, to set aside a day of work to simply play, and I knew so asked for nothing but homemade chocolate cake, grandmothers recipe of course.

Sunrise was no different as we offered prayer, but a tiny box was waiting there on the table, inside the sweetest thing the hamster I had dreamed of.

Banana Split I named him, I had once had that cold confection, such treats were great rewards I was proud that I had earned one, my little friend was that important.

But that was not my only gift, the best was yet to come, grandfather, mother, and my uncle worked at a place called “Old Tucson”, as Indian extras on the set of High Chaparral.

I was to spend the day, seeing a movie made, Gun Smoke and Bonanza too were filmed there, but it was El Dorado, and John Wayne that were my birthday gifts.

A wonderful day indeed, Mr. Wayne kicked my cousin in the water trough, so many people I met; Hoss Cartwright was my favorite pick, though Little Joe was sweet.

Not many days in life leave such memories, my grandmother did not approve of the family doing these things, but for this day, for me, she went along as well!