A FEW scarlet and gold leaves bravely held on to the bare trees.

It was cloudy and cold. A stiff breeze stirred up whitecaps on the gray waves on the bay. It was Saturday and Jana and Scott arrived to visit Lacey.

"Hello, you two," she welcomed them.

Relieved that she seemed at ease and looked well, they hugged her and settled on the plump sofa facing the fireplace.

Lacey sat in her easy chair nearby.

"Winter is on its way, I'm afraid. Would you like hot chocolate or coffee?"

"I'll get it," said Jana, heading out to the kitchen. She returned shortly with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Lacey put a bit of brandy in hers.

"Mom, we want to talk about your birthday," said Jana.

"Oh, child. I do not think a birthday celebration is appropriate.

I do not have anything to celebrate, do I?"

"Of course you do. A wonderful life, well lived is what you have to celebrate. You're famous for heaven's sake! And you're leaving the world a better place for having been in it! And you have three kids and three grandkids and we all love you and we'll never forget you."

Tears again! I'll never see the babies grow. Swallowing hard and forcing a smile, she said, "I suppose you're right. But I do not want a big bash. Perhaps a small dinner party here at the house, with just the family, and maybe Danny and Nan. Hmm, and champagne and a big carrot cake. How does that sound?"