Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/677946
MRS. SHEPHERD: I was married then. My son was just a boy. It was snowing. And it was my 40th birthday. SUSANNA: Wait. (pretending she doesn't know) If twenty years ago today was your fortieth birthday . . . that means today is your birthday and you're . . . you're sixty! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Shepherd! MRS. SHEPHERD: (still grouchy) I figured you knew . . . buying my dinner and all that rigamarole. SUSANNA: Okay, maybe I did know. But it's still exciting. MRS. SHEPHERD: Well, I'm not celebrating. SUSANNA: Then we'll celebrate for you! A sixtieth birthday is a milestone! Hey—I could get Mr. Mattiello to sing. MRS. SHEPHERD: No thank you. I've heard him sing. And I said I'm not celebrating. ( music begins to "Hopes and Fears," p. 46) SUSANNA: Why not? MRS. SHEPHERD: Because it's not snowing. And my husband is gone. And my son is stationed overseas. SUSANNA: I know, Mrs. Shepherd. I'm so sorry. That must be very hard. MRS. SHEPHERD: I don't need your pity. SUSANNA: I'm not giving you my pity, just my concern. How long has he been gone? MRS. SHEPHERD: Which one? My husband or my son? SUSANNA: Either. Both. MRS. SHEPHERD: My husband, John—six years. Died of cancer. (pauses, takes a drink of her coffee) My son, Michael, left in that uniform of his 3 years ago. (hands her a photo from her purse) He writes me emails, but I don't know where he is exactly. I guess he can't even tell his own mother his whereabouts. y < 5 44 For Preview Only