Chocolate cake...

Since mother's passing years ago, I've tried to be sensitive to the needs of others in similar situations. For the past two years, I've been helping an elderly disabled widow so that she can remain in the home she shares with her single adult son.

My friend is unable to safely shower without assistance or accomplish certain tasks, like mailing packages, getting to the beauty shop, or picking up a prescription from the drug store. She can manage other tasks, like changing her bed linens, but it takes great effort and something I can do quickly and easily.

Today I am baking a chocolate birthday cake. The cake can cool while I change her sheets and help her shower, and together we will frost and decorate it to surprise her son on his 45th birthday when he comes home from work this evening. It's such a little thing for me, but huge for my friend.