water. “Birthdays have never been a big deal in our family.” “Never?” Even Mama, for all she is, always made sure everyone and their dog knew it was my happy birthday. “My grandmother always made sure we had a cake.” He smiles wistfully. “The woman had all the money in the world to buy one and yet she’d always take the time to bake it. She used those boxed mixes, too. They were the best. After she died... it’s just any other day.”
