1 . As ninety approached, many things had changed for Mom except one: She wanted a big birthday party. But because of a fractured (断裂的) hip just 3 weeks before, we could only arrange a small one at the rehab (康复中心) instead of giving her a big celebration in a restaurant.
Mom’s husband, Fred, was also in the facility, admitted to the dementia (痴呆) unit prior to her admission. Mom visited him a few times each week, but these visits distressed her because he was usually asleep and did not respond to her. She often left in tears and was sad for days.
On the day of the party, we decorated the dining room with balloons, and a sheet cake was decorated in her favorite colour. Surrounded by her loved ones, Mom was overwhelmed with happiness. Only one other person could have made this day happier: Fred, her husband of thirty years. Because the party was held in the nursing facility, we had taken him to the party, too. When an attendant brought him into the room, Mom shouted with joy. We positioned them side by-side in their wheelchairs. He sat there with his eyes closed, unresponsive, and the party went on.
A short time later, there was a buzz in the room: “Fred’s awake!” And he was! Mom spoke to him, and he responded. He said, “I love you.” He ate the birthday cake and ice cream. He stayed for the rest of the party. After I sent him back to his nursing unit, the remaining guests were still talking about Fred and his miraculous awakening, just in time to share his wife’s ninetieth birthday. Mom was very happy, crying that his presence was the best gift of all.
God works in strange ways. We were able to give Mom a lovely celebration after all, and with her husband at her side, a happy birthday indeed.
1. Why couldn’t Mom enjoy a big birthday party?| A．Because her husband got sick. |
| B．Because she herself got injured. |
| C．Because she preferred to celebrate it with her husband. |
| D．Because we didn’t want to arrange one for her. |
| A．He was admitted to the rehab after Mom. |
| B．Mom felt disappointed with him. |
| C．He was unconscious most of the time at the rehab. |
| D．He had been married to Mom for nearly twenty years. |
| A．To inspire him to get better. | B．To help us get close to him. |
| C．To celebrate his birthday. | D．To make him keep his wife company. |
| A．Mom’s Unexpected Birthday Gift | B．Fred’s Amazing Recovery |
| C．Mom’s Miraculous Party | D．Mom’s Strange Birthday |
