The perfect birthday card

I bought a birthday card for my manager, Beth, two years ago right after her birthday. I promised myself I would give it to her the next year.

The next winter, I was laid off from that company (not her choice -- she was really mad about it), so now we're simply friends, which basically means I still think Beth's ridiculously awesome, but I don't get to see her every day. Anyway, last year when her birthday rolled around I somehow forgot to give her the card.

Yesterday, Beth and I met each other for lunch, and I finally got to give her her perfect birthday card:

Beth chuckled when she read it, and then again when I presented her with a small bag of Dove dark chocolate. It's possible she was simply surprised I remembered her birthday, because that's never been my strength.

When we worked together, whenever we were having a particularly difficult day, Beth would ask if anyone needed "Dove love" and encourage us to eat something from her constantly-refilled candy bowl. On more than one occasion, she even bought me peanut buttery chocolates just because she knew they were my favorites. When I saw this card, I knew I had to give it to Beth. It was practically written just for her! I couldn't consider giving it to anyone else!

She said yesterday, "I don't think I'd have as good a quality of life without chocolate! Can you imagine?"

I can't imagine. Neither a life without chocolate or a life with Beth, one of the best managers I've ever had, and one of my favorite ladies to lunch with.

Now I think I'll go dig up the three musketeers I brought to work with me... mmm... chocolate...