Some stories end the way you don’t want them to end.

This isn’t that kind of story.

After the show Blake, Steve, and I went to a local bar and grille.

We were seated next to a family that had just begun lighting the candles on a birthday cake.

From what we could gather we were about to be part of Grandma’s celebration.

We joined in and sang “Happy Birthday.”

Sometimes I am the stranger who wants to remain a stranger among strangers.

Other times I am the stranger who wants to be friends with other strangers.

Tonight, I was ready to be friends.

I leaned over and said, “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you!” she said, not bothered that I was the stranger who wanted to be friends.

“She’s 44 again!” her husband said with a laugh.

Everyone laughed.

“He’s been making that joke for 20 years!” Grandma said.

Everyone laughed again.

“Enjoy that cake! It looks perfect,” I said.

“Oh, we will! Thank you!”

We all smiled the way you smile when the conversation is over and you get back to what you’re getting back to.

We looked over the menu and made small talk. Steve wasn’t very hungry and scanned the list of appetizers. Blake looked at the long list of burgers. I debated between shrimp tacos or a fried chicken sandwich, but wasn’t sold on either of them.

And then it happened.

“Excuse me, but we have one more piece of cake. Would you like it?”

This is exactly what I wanted.

I’ve never said no to cake and I wasn’t about to start today.

“Yes!”

Just like on Christmas I was getting a gift on someone else’s birthday. 

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.