Because his son Mitch was everything Adam Cartwright decided to give him a special present for his seventh birthday. Since Mitch had come in touch with baseball the boy was mad about the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. That came also because his late mother Mary Cartwright was a loyal supporter of the Yankees. After her death Mitch had inhered her collection of the New York Yankees.
A few months before Christmas day which was also the birthday of Mitch Adam was busy with a search for a baseball card of Yankee Mickey Mantle. Finally Adam found one via a friend in Boston, David Smith. During a business trip they met each other.
“Adam, because I know your son he may have them both for free. I even have them double twice. He has helped so well at the time with our garden”, said David.
“I put them in a frame an then he gets it for his birthday. Thanks”, Adam said relieved after the long and heavy search.
Christmas Day 1999.
In the living room stood the big Christmas tree decorated with the presents underneath it. They were all labeled with the name for whom it was. The Cartwrights (Ben and his sons Adam, Hoss and Joe) were up early but the birthday boy (Mitch) slept in a little bit. Though he also came after a while dressed and all downstairs.
“Happy congratulations with your 7th birthday”, Adam said by the stairs.
“Thanks daddy”, said Mitch.
“Many more years Mitchy”, said Hoss.
Ben and Joe said that too.
“Kid, you get this from me”, said Adam.
He gave his son a small flat package. Mitch went to sit on the settee an unwrapped it. The tears came into his dark eyes when Mitch saw what it was.
“Daddy, how beautiful. Thank you very much”, he said while he thanked his father.
“It’s alright. I am glad that you like it so much”, answered Adam.
Also from the others Mitch got baseball stuff but the 2 framed baseball cards of Mickey Mantle was for the celebrating Cartwright the most beautiful present.
After breakfast Adam took Mitch along to the grave of Mary. He left his son alone with her for a moment.
“Mama, I wish that you could see what daddy gave me for my birthday. It are 2 framed baseball cards of Mickey Mantle from 1961. I know for sure that you would like them too”, Mitch told like his mother was still around.
Adam heard everything and got tears in his eyes of emotion. He knew that Mitch hardly had known her but still missed her though. The young Cartwright was for Adam the most valuable what he could think of.
Even though Mitch had received more beautiful presents nothing could beat than what he had got that morning from his father.