By BOB KRUMM

Expositor Columnist

To be 6 again!

Her husband was sitting on the edge of the bed, casually watching his wife stare at the reflection in the mirror. Realizing her birthday was not far off he asked if there was anything special she'd like.

"I'd like to be six again," she said wistfully, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her special day he arose early. "Happy birthday darling,' he said, kissing her awake before scurrying off to the kitchen. He set out a big bowl of Lucky Charms, a blueberry Pop Tart and glass of ice-cold Strawberry Quick. She was surprised, since seldom did anyone prepare breakfast for her, especially not one a child would find particularly appealing. But she enjoyed the meal and his special attention none-the-less.

Then, he had another surprise and a very special day planned. He sent her upstairs to change into shorts and comfortable walking shoes, opened her car door and set off on a mystery trip. Soon they were crossing the causeway leading to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky.

After buying her some balloons, he put her on every ride the park offers including the Blue Streak, Cedar Creek Mine Ride, Corkscrew, Disaster Transport, Magnum XL-200, the Mantis, Wildcat and Wicked Twister. He wanted to make sure she rode everything!

He bought her cotton candy and a soda.

He took her to the marine show, where they were drenched by the dolphins.

After nearly seven hours, sunburned and exhausted, her head reeling and her stomach feeling like it was inside out, they headed home.

But more surprises lay ahead.

First, this sensitive husband of nearly 25 years pulled into the parking lot at McDonald's. Leaving her at a table, he joined the counter line and when it was his turn ordered Happy Meals with extra fries and chocolate shakes. He proudly brought their tray to the table, a smile reflecting his deep love and devotion.

But the adventure wasn't over yet... he had also planned an evening at the multi-plex to watch the new animated Disney-Pixar movie UP. He ordered popcorn, sodas, and M&M's (because he knew his wife enjoyed the combination of M&M's mixed in the bag of hot buttery popcorn).

The movie was excellent; filled with humor, adventure and a great moral, but she almost dozed off before its emotional ending. Finally they returned home. She wobbled into the living room nearly exhausted - collapsing onto a recliner, seemingly every muscle in her body aching.

Her husband was happy with the day's activities... pleased wit himself for having been so creative and thoughtful. Leaning over her chair with a big smile, he asked, "Well sweetheart, what was it like being six again?"

Her eyes slowly opened as realization dawned, her expression changing to one of chagrin as she answered, "Oh my gosh... I meant my dress size... you idiot!"

There's a moral to this story. Why? Because many of my stories have morals, so you're just going to have to suffer through another one, too. This is one that all couples need to learn early in their relationship: Even when a guy is listening, we're gonna get it wrong. That's just the way it is.