Life traditions are different for us all. Some people go all out for Anniversaries, Birthdays and different holidays. Some simply see them as a typical Monday or any day of the week. I grew up in a family where we celebrated. I had a "Great Pumpkin", an Easter Bunny, a "Valentine Man", a tooth fairy, a Saint Patrick, Santa Claus and baskets for all of these full of various goodies. I had Grandparents who called me without fail the morning of every August 4th each on a phone singing Happy Birthday. This past Monday morning my parents called and they continue to carry on that tradition. It is special to me. JT thinks we are all crazy, in a funny way though. Birthdays aren't a big deal to him. For me, in the year 2014, it was a huge deal. It is a time to reflect, to appreciate life, to thank God for one more year. It isn't about gifts, it is about celebrating being alive. I figure we celebrate as a nation on the 4th of July. Why shouldn't I celebrate myself on the 4th of August?
The best present I received this year was waking up to read my surprise blog I had no idea was being written by JT. It feels good to be loved and even better to read 43 reasons I am loved. I have the 43 posted on my burlap board to reflect on daily. I feel loved everyday but now I have 43 reasons I can reflect on when I'm feeling down. Admittedly, the massage and dinner at Bone's also made me feel loved as well.
In conclusion, I have a confession. I used to cry every year on my birthday. It was a terrible day for me. Upon reflection, I don't know if it was my depression, my assumptions of others forgetting (read the book, The Four Agreements), not accomplishing what I felt I should that year or just an overall unhappiness.
Not this year! It was a wonderful day, wonderful weekend and...
it's a wonderful life!
Yesterday our sermon was not necessarily a typical Father's Day message I would have expected in a southern Methodist church. The Preacher told a story about an 88 year old friend who recently married a 92 year old woman. When he asked why they married at their age, her reply was, "because I want to have a baby." I can't pull off the joke nearly as well as the Preacher and my husband is currently rolling his eyes as he reads this. In all seriousness, her reply was, "because we love each other and our lives aren't over." Yes, a tear rolled down my face.
The story touched me so much because I think sometimes we are all guilty of rushing through life and not enjoying the moment, if you will. I know many times I focus on the plane ride home rather than the actual time I'll spend on my trip. Many times I focus on what is going to happen rather than enjoying the present. Death is inevitable. Why focus on dying instead of living? No matter if we are 50, 70, 90 or 100, we all have many things to contribute to the world and life. In some ways, since March 7th, I feel like my life just began. The Preacher also said it doesn't matter if we are 9 or 90, a death is a crisis. The lesson for me was to soak up all we can with our spouse, our parents, our family and our friends.
Life is short! Live and love it!
