The Very Last Birthday

　　When my 50th birthday was coming, I said to my three grown children: “ I no longer (不再) want to celebrate(庆祝) my birthday.” I also said: “ they could call me and not send a gift. ”At first they did not agree, but finally they accepted to go along wtih (同意) my wish.

　　So, on the morning of my birthday when the doorbell rang, I was surprised. A florist(花商) delivered(送来) huge, beautiful plant. Suddenly, without a word, she rushed back to the truck and, with a sad look, turned once to glance(一瞥) to me. Puzzled, I read the card attached to the plant, “To Mom－with lots of love-on your very last birthday.”