文章大意:这篇文章主要描述了作者过去两年生日时的心愿是和家人一起远足和野餐,但今年因为身在他乡,作者无法与家人和朋友们一起庆祝生日。作者的母亲通过短信和视频通话表达了对孙子们生日的祝福,但没有身在一起的感觉。尽管如此,作者感受到了来自世界各地的亲人和朋友们的祝福和爱,使得自己感到快乐。
The past two years, instead of my favourite maple-frosted donut (枫糖霜甜甜圈) cake, I had one birthday request from my family — hiking (远足) and a picnic together. Thankfully, it was my special day, so they only rolled their eyes and sighed once and then agreed to come along — exploring new places and discovering hidden waterfalls.
That was the past two years. That’s not today.
Today is my birthday, and I’m on the other side of the world. I wish that I could hang out with my family and friends in the US. Just for today — on my birthday.
We are “lonely internationals.” It’s hard. I won’t pretend (假装) it’s not.
My mother, “Nana” to my four boys, tells me regularly how she has missed almost all of her grandsons’ birthday celebrations. She intentionally (有意地) connects with them through texts and FaceTime on their birthdays so that she can join us for the time of singing “Happy Birthday” and SEE the kids blow out their candles.
However, that is not the same as “being there” physically — together. She feels like she misses our major life milestones called “birthdays.”
Today, I’m okay. My mother had made an e-card for me, sent to my email box early this morning. She never forgets. My in-laws, my sister and her family, my sweet friend in France, and my dear friends here in Spain and over there in the US have already wished me “Happy Birthday” online. Some even mailed me cards and gifts across the sea.
The only “gifts” I’m missing are maple-frosted donuts for a birthday cake. My mother tried to bring them to me in Europe when she travelled to visit me. However, after a 20-hour trip across the sea, they weren’t so fresh anymore.
Tonight, we will have a special dinner outside on our back porch in the cool, evening air. I will blow out A LOT of candles on my birthday cake.
I am happy. I have breath, life, a heartbeat, and deep inner joy from the love of my family and friends around the world.
8. How has the author celebrated her birthday for the past two years?
A.By hanging out with her friends. |
B.By eating her favourite birthday cake. |
C.By travelling to new places on her own. |
D.By hiking and picnicking with her family. |
9. What does the underlined word “that” in Paragraph 6 refer to?
A.Singing “Happy Birthday”. |
B.Feeling far away on one’s birthdays. |
C.Celebrating others’ birthdays online. |
D.Connecting with people through texts. |
10. What did the author’s mother do to celebrate her birthday this year?
A.She sent her an e-card. |
B.She made her a hand-written card. |
C.She travelled long hours to visit her. |
D.She sent her some maple-frosted donuts. |
11. What did the author think of her birthday this year?
A.It was full of surprises. |
B.It brought more sadness than happiness. |
C.It made her feel loved and remembered. |
D.It was a sign of being far away from those she loves. |