"Let's get home, it's freezin' out here"

"I'll race you."

We look at each other and pause just for a moment. The smile breaks out on her face and we both start running toward the truck. We reach the truck at the same time laughing hysterically.

"You better keep training, young lady."

GM breathes in and squints her eyes, "Obviously….you have been….training."

"Yup"

"Even in winter?"

"Promised your mom I would stay in shape." I slap my stomach and smile.

On the way home GM asks me, "Daddy, would you really be ok if I moved home?"

"Yup, after you graduate."

"That's what I thought."

"Kid, you know you can come home anytime but I don't want you running away from life."

"I get it but seriously I think I want to come home after I graduate."

"We would love that." I look over at her and can't help but give her an approving glance.

"You going to be ok tonight? You know mom has gone all out for your birthday. I know how much you hate the attention."

"Ah, it will be fun, besides I want to make your mom happy."

"See, Daddy, that's what I'm talking about. That's what I want."

"What did your mom say?"

"Ah, uh huh, that's between me and mom."

"Oh, ok, I see how it is. My girls are going to gang up on me."

She pinches her fingers, "Just a tiny bit."

We laugh as I stop the truck in its familiar spot in front of the cabin.

The screen door slams and Cady strides outside. "Ok, birthday boy can I get a few minutes of your time?" We meet and we hug.

Grace, kisses Cady on her way into the house.

"Hey Punk."

"Hey Dad"

"Where are the kids?"

"Funny you should ask. Michael took them to the Busy Bee for breakfast you guys must have just missed each other."

"That's too bad. Well, they are all mine when they get back, ok?"

"You got it."

"So, I have all my girls in one spot, together?"

Cady laughs, "I guess you do, Dad."

Call it age, or just less patience for things that aren't important, "So, ah, you and Michael ever consider moving back with the kids? Vic and I, you know, we would like to have you home."

Cady takes my hand. "You wanna go on a walk? Just a short one." Something is on her mind. All of my kids have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

"Sure"

We walk the path we used to walk when she was a girl and the memories begin to flood back. I can't help but think of Martha and how much she would love to see how Cady has flourished and how happy she is. She would shower our grandchildren with love.

"Have you visited mom, yet?"

"No, I was hoping we could go together. Can we go tomorrow?

"Yup"

"I miss Mom, a lot, and I'm worried if I, or we, move back it would somehow put a damper on you and Vic?'

"What?" I am completely confused by what Cady is saying.

"As I get older and with the kids, we are constant reminders, Dad. Sometimes, it gets a little weird for me, you know. I love Vic and it's is obvious you two are very happy, Dad. I guess in a weird psychotherapy kind of way I wish it was you and mom and not you and Vic." I can see the sincerity in her face and I think how long did she practice before saying the words to me. The lawyer in her is on point.

I stop and touch her forearm. "I understand, Cady."

"Look, Dad, I don't want to hurt you or Vic for that matter."

Cutting her off, "No, it's ok, you didn't." But it does hurt because I want us together and deep in my heart I have always worried that my moving on or my being happy was painful for her.

"Dad, let me finish what I want to say." She grasps my forearm and we stand holding each other's arms.

"Michael and I are really seriously considering moving here. I want our kids to finish growing up here in Durant. They are almost teen agers and I'm never going to get this time with them again. They simply love and adore you and Vic. I think they live for school breaks so they can spend time with you two. It's all we hear about in Philadelphia."

"Nothing would make us happier but Cady I don't want to hurt you."

"I know you don't and you aren't I'm just not explaining it right."

"No, you are." I hold my head down because I almost lost my daughter once trying to protect her and I'm afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing for fear she will shut me out. She's my daughter and we have had our share of emotional entanglements.

"Have you talked to Vic…ah…about how you feel?"

"How do I have that conversation?!"

"I think you should because she loves you very much and she loves the kids."

"Yeah, she's their grandmother that's for sure. I feel like I'm dumping on you on your birthday and that feels all wrong."

"Nah, not wrong. I'm glad we are having this talk because I miss you." I think of how I can possibly explain this to my wife without crushing her spirit?

We stand about 300 yards from the cabin, we didn't get too far, and hug each other. Having my oldest in my arms like she was 12 again. I think how wonderful it is that my kids, my stubborn, brilliant, independent children seek my counsel, my love and my advice.

There are many men, past and present, that would give every dollar earned for the love my children have for me and I for them.

Yes, this is the greatest gift I could ever have for a 70th birthday. I'm thankful for them and thankful that my wife taught me how to share my heart because without that I may not have the bond I share with them.

"Cady, thank you for being here on my birthday."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She looks down for a second, "I will have a girl chat with Vic later, ok."

I nod in agreement.

Smiling, "I raced GM earlier back to the truck. I don't suppose you want to race back to the house do you?"

Laughing out loud, "Are you kidding me…heck no…" and she takes off …

"Oh you cheated."

"You're in shape!"

Cady beats me back to the house by a few steps and we laugh and catch our breath at the same time.

"Hey Punk, you know…ah…I love you, Cady."

"I love you, too, Dad. I really love our family. I'm sure it will all be ok. I just have to get over myself I suppose"

"We will work it out"

I think how this is shaping up to be an eventful birthday in every way possible and none of them I would have predicted.