My Birthday Smile

Today is my birthday. I didn’t feel the need to alert attention to myself; because in my mind it isn’t that big of a deal; after all, I have had 48 birthdays! I know. I know, I don’t look a day over 32 my Admrial said (hehehe). I thought why not 29? But I will take 32!

When I arrived to work I was greeted with a happy birthday in the hall by a co-worker (that was nice); and another co-worker scanned her card and opened the door to my office for me (that was nice and appreciated). Then another co-worker arrived who had seen my mom’s birthday wishes for me on Facebook, so she too, wished me a happy birthday (made me smile).

Then another co-worker asked me, “So when were you going to tell us it was your birthday?” I replied, “I wasn’t , it’s not that big of a deal.” My friend and co-worker is a forever optimist and I love that about her, but the truth is I am getting older and birthdays just aren’t that exciting to me and maybe they should be; I don’t want you to think I am ungrateful, because I am very aware that growing old is a privilege that some are not afforded.  But, I am not one to shout it out by doing a countdown on social media, “My birthday in 5 more days!!” or run in to a room and announce, “It’s MY birthday!” and break out into a dance followed by what did you get me?”

I’d like to say it is because I am humble and don’t want all the attention on me; but I know that isn’t entirely true. The truth is being in the limelight in my younger years through gymnastics, cheerleading and softball was where I wanted to be; but now I am more of an introvert, most comfortable in soft light of my home with family. While gifts are nice, they often cost too much and don’t last. I prefer the gift of time and making memories.

Yesterday was National Thrift Store Day. Crazy, I know, that there is a day set aside to peruse through items and clothes that other people did not want or outgrew. Darya unwillingly humored me and came along for the fun with my friend Rebekah and her mom. Thrift Stores make me laugh and laughter is good medicine. T-shirts and books are the funniest things to look through and if you know us well, we will find the perfect t-shirt or book title for you! We probably won’t buy it but we will think of you. The t-shirt Darya found for Jayden is “The only difference between you and me is that I’m a genius who will someday rule the world, and you’re just an idiot.” But again, we didn’t buy it, but it made us laugh, because he is the Professor of the family.

Bahahaha...shopping for the nursery.

My forever optimist (and younger) co-worker with less injuries reminded me that I am only as old as I think; but I replied, “No, I am as old as I feel.” She said it is all in my mind, but my body doesn’t agree it is in your back. It’s in your knees, etc…” It is in the creaks and popping of my spine and knees. As I visited my grandpa this past week who is 87 (and true I am not that old, yet), he said, “My mind still feels young, but my body says otherwise.” Well grandpa, at 48, I agree and I am certain if the Lord allows me 40 more years here in this body that is fading, I will agree with a resounding AMEN.

Finally, a phone call that made me laugh and reminisce, my brother called to tell me Happy Birthday. He said, “I wanted to call and tell you in person, because I did not want to do it on Facebook because FACEBOOK means NOTHING! It means nothing!” To which I replied, “Thanks Dad!” because that is so daddish, we both laughed, but as he said good-bye and love you, I could hear my dad’s voice in his and for me, that warms my heart and drops dew on my cheeks. To hear dad say one more time, Happy Birthday Doney-Boats, I love you!