Not often, but there have been times when I’ve read the end of a story before reading it, to be certain it has a happy ending. This is why I don’t read or watch anything with Zombies; one cannot beat Zombies.
Approximately, 25 years ago, my friend Laura began her own doctor’s practice. Laura is a pediatrician, why? Because one day she called me while in medical school and asked if she should go into psychology or pediatrics. My response was that we could probably use both, but hopefully, we could use pediatrics more. Long story short, she chose wisely.
She recently decided to close her practice since less folks are having babies and her lease was up. I wholeheartedly supported this decision since she can afford to not work and do most anything she wants in life, but of course, this decision brought about heartache for her. It would mean the end of an era, the end of a chapter and possibly, the end of the story.
In passing, she mentioned her fondness for the white chocolate mouse cake I used to make B.C. (Before Children). So, I had planned to make her one for her retirement celebration, no matter that her son texted me asking me to make her one. He mentioned a Venmo transaction, something I do not do and something I would not do because this was for my dear friend who required the medicine only, I could provide, to make the end of her story, a happy one.
While gathering ingredients, I realized that if I were to make a cake, I wouldn’t get a piece, so I decided to go with cupcakes. It’s been a long, long time, but I do recall my white chocolate mousse cake being worth the effort. Back in the day, I used to make it for the restaurant I worked for. One day, a lady pulled up in a cab and ordered a slice of my white chocolate mousse cake. Upon hearing that we were sold out, she responded, “You don’t understand, I need a piece of white chocolate mousse cake.” Yes, it was that good and I wanted some too.
I baked the cupcakes and just to be certain that I was doing this correctly, I Googled how to make filled cupcakes. I was correct in thinking that I needed to carve out the center of the cupcakes, but this person must be ill, because they directed me to toss the carved cake pieces. Who would do that? I mean really, I was going to fucking eat them as I carved them, duh. I didn’t eat them all, but I did save the carved cake pieces and my kid, his mother’s son, ate them.
I made the mousse and even though it wasn’t a hot day, it seemed kind of melty. This was a sign of things to come, because anything that could go wrong, did. My right hand has a trigger finger and no, that does not mean that I need to practice gun control. The ring finger can be extremely painful and since I haven’t used a pastry bag in literally decades, this project was quickly turning into a hot mess. Besides the pain and my diminished skills, I encountered air pockets that farted out white chocolate mousse at the most inopportune times. The candies I purchased to decorate the cupcakes, spilled and hard candy balls were bouncing off the table to the kitchen floor. My nerves were shot and when I didn’t think it could get worse than me dropping cupcakes, two doors down, construction jackhammers began to serenade me! I couldn’t believe it, I even took a video to prove to others, if asked, why the cupcakes looked like a shit show.
Miraculously, the candy balls, rose petals and pirouette cookies hid all my mishaps with piping and dropping and I am happy to say, Laura enjoyed the cupcakes. I asked her if there were as good as she remembered and she said that they were better and that she wet herself. High praise, indeed. The next day, I tried to call her because it was the last day her office would be open. Of course, it went straight to voice mail and I left her a message stating that there was no need to be sad, that this was an amazing day to be celebrated. Hopefully, she received the message.
I completely understand the pain of watching a chapter of our lives end, but here’s the truth of the matter. She has no financial need to work anymore and now; she is free to do whatever her little heart desires. This is a cause for celebration, not sadness. Think about how many lives she has touched by being a doctor. How many babies she was able to watch grow until adulthood. This, is a good thing, no need to be sad. It’s time to rejoice, and eat white chocolate mousse cupcakes!!!
It’s nice to know that Laura’s story as a doctor has a happy ending. She is married to a lawyer for 30+ years, two successful children, and she has me as a friend. What more could one ask for? However, it hasn’t been easy and there are more trials and tribulations to be had, but that’s life. I only wish I could have more insight into the end of my story; I pray for a happy ending. Right now, I’m filled with uncertainty, but there is one thing I do know for sure. There’s a piping bag filled with leftover white chocolate mousse, so I baked some more cake and cut and sugared some strawberries. Of course, as I was creating a bowl of goodness, a strawberry flew out of grip and onto the floor, 5 second rule, it was saved, and it was good.
#thelieswechoosetolivewith
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