A Hidden Mint

It?s my husband?s birthday. Unfortunately, it?s been one of those weeks. Normally I would make Carrot Cake, his favorite, but we need hugs?and chocolate never fails to embrace. I opted for Mint Chocolate Cupcakes, since this annual event requires something extra-special.



Here is the story: Among other things, our car has been in the shop. That wouldn?t be so bad, but just to add insult to injury?my gentle giant tore off the bumper on the way out of the mechanic?s drive. Yes, you read correctly. The car got caught on the fence when backing out.



Needless to say, that freak maneuver lost us a pretty penny. No matter how we crunch the numbers, the fractured rear-end plus repairs, is putting a serious dent in our savings. That would be enough to make anyone want to dive into a cake (perhaps never to return).



These are the days that cause me anxiety. We?ve all been there. I am stressed. I wish we had more money. I wish we had a few million dollars to be exact. But based on the choices I am making, it?s safe to say, that?s not my top priority. I think what I really want is assurances. I want guarantees that the unexpected won?t undo me. I want security.



Where the hell do you find security? (Aside from chocolate cupcakes.) And how can I put a down-payment on a lifetime supply? Okay, I have watched enough Housewives to know better than to think that 8-digits in a numeral adds up to Nirvana.



Reflecting on similar times, some tough, some sad, and some that are downright scary, I have come up with this?it?s all about relationships. The people in your life are the answer. The friendships and family ties that you cultivate create an impenetrable safety net. They share your joy, rush to your aid, and comfort your pain. Perhaps most importantly, they make you laugh and inject some levity into life?s lesser moments. Regardless of the circumstances, anyone that you love can lift mountains of weight off of you, by simply placing their hand on your shoulder. It?s miraculous.



With this perspective, I can see that the car situation is a humorous, albeit costly, detour in our otherwise incredibly fail-safe existence. When it comes to security, it seems that I actually suffer from an embarrassment of riches. For that, I owe a huge thanks to most of you.



On Sunday, not only do I plan to eat my cake, I plan to celebrate the mint that is discreetly stashed inside of it.