I love birthdays. And it doesn't have to be mine. I just love the whole celebratory aspect of rejoicing in another 365 days on Earth. Of course, children's birthdays tend to be a bit more jovial just because they spend 364 days waiting for that one day to arrive. When they will be bigger. Stronger. Older. Oh and that whole present thing. We have an ongoing list in our house for presents. Whatever holiday is coming around, we ask the children to add the request to their list with a disclosure statement of, "Just because it's on the list, doesn't mean you're going to receive it." because present requests have changed with each generation. My parents generation begged for dolls, jacks, Cowboys and Indians figurines, comic books, marbles, etc. My generation brought Atari games, boom boxes, designer clothes, name brand shoes (we HAD to be like Mike) and well, we just were not going to settle for anything from a five and dime store. My children's generation has graduated to iPhones, iPads, laptops, hand held games, Wii, X Box and probably gadgets I don't even know exist. In the race to keep up with technology, I will finish last every time. And I'm ok with last place in this particular race.
But my favorite thing about birthdays is not about the gifts. Sure baubles are nice for those special occasions, but honestly, I don't visit many places where I would wear a pretty piece of jewelry. And I am terrified of losing anything valuable. A trip to the spa sounds relaxing but I tend to spend the whole time wondering what my family is doing and how much longer do I have with this stranger rubbing my skin? Do I have time to fall asleep and if I do, will I be grumpy when they wake me? Are they noticing that I really should have left that last doughnut on the plate last Sunday because now I have a new dimple on my thigh? Dinner with my husband is always a delightful treat but then you add in babysitter fees and suddenly you've blown your budget for the month. Granted, I am stretching the truth a bit but honestly, my favorite gift is time. I love receiving cards in the mail with a little handwritten note from a loved one wishing me happiness and health for another year. I love the funny emails my friends send me letting me know I am growing older and while maybe not gracefully, I am not aging alone. I love the handmade cards from my children with misspelled words but perfectly placed I love you's and funny pictures and accolades that only a Mother can receive with a completely open heart. I love the cards or notes from my husband reminding me that in the midst of this busy, hectic life of children, bills and work, we still are best friends making our way down the messy road of life without a map. But we wouldn't have it any other way. I love the phone calls and voice mails that pop up throughout the day just to wish me Happy Birthday and nothing else. And I love that my Mom and Dad still sing Happy Birthday to me on the phone and make me feel like that little six-year-old that could not sleep the night before her birthday because she was going to simply burst from excitement. And I love that sometimes my bestest friends help me stretch out my birthday celebration for a whole month because they always think I was born 30 days later. And that brings a huge smile to my face because I have never been on time with a birthday card. But I always think about the celebratory person on their special day.
And that's the part that I love. That someone spent time doing a little something simple to make someone else's day brighter. And somehow, that made them a little brighter, too. So birthdays are not just for you. They bring great joy to all who know you and love you and celebrate you. And they just have a way of showing you that they are glad you are still here, being you, only you and that is the best gift a person could receive. Happy Birthday, everyone and may you continue to find great joy in the next 364 days!
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