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.
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| Bahahaha...shopping for the nursery. |
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!
