“Happy birthday!” woke me in the morning.
Hugs and kisses followed but I knew they had planned more. Their mummy had warned me.
Each handed me an envelope with writing in bright crayon, “To DaDDy.”
One promised me hugs every morning and night. The other promised me smiles to make my day happy. Both promised kisses.
“Wait! There’s more! We’re taking you and mummy to the zoo.”
As I walked around the zoo with my twins, I knew this was a happy day. I’d have smiles, hugs and kisses to keep others that way.
What better present could there be on your birthday?
Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.
Ross's Writing Blog 
lorrainefort
July 16, 2012 at 22:03
very sweet! and a great picture to boot.
Ross Mannell
July 20, 2012 at 21:46
Thanks for the comment.
I didn’t have any suitable pictures in my graphics collection so had to prepare a quick sketch in Photoshop. 🙂
Judie McEwen
July 17, 2012 at 00:43
Those gifts of love are always the best, Ross. Great take on the prompt!!
Ross Mannell
July 20, 2012 at 21:47
Thanks for the comment.
If I had been a parent, this would have been my favourite type of birthday present. 🙂
anita
July 17, 2012 at 02:13
Another wonderful take on the prompt, Ross!
Ross Mannell
July 20, 2012 at 22:39
Thanks for the comment.
Years of teaching children seems to always direct my thoughts to the family friendly storyline. 🙂
Susan Mystery
July 18, 2012 at 17:30
Love this. Early childhood is the best. I think we are gifted that time, so we can make it through the teen years.
Ross Mannell
July 20, 2012 at 22:41
Thanks for the comment.
Littlies endear themselves to us so we bond with and protect them. By teen years, they’re trying to break the bonds. Eventually we see the children become parents as the cycle starts with a new generation. 🙂
Sue
July 19, 2012 at 04:42
Have to agree with you there!
=)
Ross Mannell
July 20, 2012 at 22:42
Thanks for the comment.
The gift is one I would treasure. 🙂
Jenny Matlock
July 25, 2012 at 09:22
I miss my kids being small.
I miss my Grandlittles being smaller.
This made me teary. Your writing and dialogue is always so vivid and believable.
Ross Mannell
July 30, 2012 at 12:06
Thanks for the comment.
I never had children of my own but have worked with 100s over the years. Retired from full time teaching, I miss the daily interactions with children. The stories help me think back to those times and my enjoyment of littlies running up to say hello when they saw me in town. 🙂