The birthday cakes are for my family. I make a birthday cake every week in December.I mailed one to my daughter in Ohio in the first week of December. She said it was yummy. Five days later I made a Tarte Tatin, as I have done every December 10th for the past umpteen years. That one was for my dude, my main squeeze. I should make it more often. This year’s came out with a really deep caramel color all over.
And in just a few hours, when the clock strikes midnight, my young boy … who thinks himself so mature and grown-up … and honestly, he is quite capable (though still tender) … will turn 15. He is 6’4 ½”. He has grown almost an inch in just the past month. I can tell when he’s about to grow, he has more of an insatiable appetite than usual, and he gets slightly chubby. Then all of a sudden my neck has to crane even further to reach that cheek with a kiss.
For my amazing young man, I made an extra large, extra chocolatey chocolate cake with my signature chocolate ganache. Before I light the candles, I think I’ll whip up some cream to go alongside. He’ll like that.
On Wednesday, he’s leaving to go on a 10-day exchange program with his youth group. He’ll be gone during Channukah, he’ll be gone during Christmas. It’s going to be lonely here without him. He has such a big presence, such a big, wonderful affect on all of us. His sister is trying her hardest to finish up her college work so she can see him before he leaves.
We all hope and pray that our children will grow up to become … fill in the blank … and then when they do, we wish they were still children in our arms.
Have a wonderful trip, my son, just don’t forget to come home.