Restaurant Check Out

While waiting to pay my lunch check, I overheard this little ditty:

Ederly Patron (EP): "It's my birthday today."
Cashier: "That's great, Happy Birthday!"
EP: "Thank you so much, I turned 72."
Cashier: "Wow, I would have guessed younger than that."
Ederly Patron's Wife (EPW): "Love, show her what I gave you."
EP: Face flushes red
EPW: "Honey, show her"
EP: Lifts his left arm and pulls up his sleeve to reveal a shiny new watch.
Me: "Ooh, that's a very cool watch"
EPW: "It's a Rolex darling."
Cashier: "I saw that"
Me: "Oh"
EP: Turns a deeper shade of red
Cashier: "Have a great birthday"
EP and EPW: Head out the door
Me: "My birthday is next week."
Cashier: "You getting a Rolex too?"
Me: I chuckle ... "I'll be happy with a nice dinner."
Cashier: "Happy early Birthday"

I walked out and on my way to post office pondered that exchange. When I think I don't have anything in common with most of the residents of Lake Forest, I just have to remember, eventhough my gift is not a Rolex, whatever it is, my gift will come with just as much pride and love.