Friday, February 15, 2008

"Today is my birthday!"

"Today is my birthday!" I've been happily telling everyone today (Friday, February 15). I've just felt so glowingly happy today, like a 7-year-old at her birthday party. I brought brownies in to work and asked everyone to help me celebrate my birthday. I got such nice notes and in-person birthday wishes from folks. Our Flex programming superstar even brought me a Starbucks mocha and a hug. *smile*

Daughter and granddaughters all sent birthday wishes. Daughter's went someting like "Happy birthday to you! cha-cha-cha! Happy birthday to you! cha-cha-cha! ... " and ended with "Smooches!" The grands love those Hoops and Yo-Yo Hallmark e-cards, so I got some great chuckles from the e-cards they sent, too. (I'm grinning right now; those cards are so silly-silly, you can't help it. Go take a look ... ) My brothers, my dad, cousins, various friends - all sent greetings, cards, gifts. I belong to an online group and the great members there posted absolutely wonderfully uplifting greetings! Those really gave a lift to my heart today, too!

I worked until 7:30, then went to church for a Lenten presentation on living your faith out loud. It started at 7, so I missed nearly an hour of it, but the last hour was pretty wonderful. Very entertaining talk by an enormously entertaining Irish priest. Irish priests always seem to be able to tell the best stories! My dear friend was there; my goddaughter (her daughter) was there, too, and I told my goddaughter's friends "Today's my birthday!" and they laughed and gave me hugs, too.

The priest told a story that pretty much sums up the way I've felt today, a story about the real gifts a person receives. The good wishes, the books, CDs, cards, gift baskets - they aren't the real gift. They are expressions of the real gift. The real gift is the thoughtfulness of others, the time and care they took to extend themselves to me. They could have continued about their day with no harm done. But, instead, they reached out with thoughtful kindness and expressed the loveliest sentiments; they took a moment to engage with another human being to try to make a person happy and bring a smile to my face. The human family is just pretty darned wonderful.

For years, I never made a big deal about my birthday - seldom told anyone, barely acknowledged it myself. Boy, was I missing out! For the last couple of years, I've been celebrating and telling everyone with excitement "Today is my birthday!" There is so much joy in saying that and in seeing others engage in the excitement of a birthday. I think people actually like to wish others a "Happy Birthday!" You can't tell someone "Happy Birthday!" without smiling yourself! It's just such a warm fuzzy, isn't it?

It's just been a marvelous day, from beginning to end. Happy Birthday to me! yay! yay!

6 comments:

Rose said...

Happy Birthday, Rose!!! I'm a day late but I'm thrilled so many others brought smiles to your face on your special day. You are such a lovable person, and always giving your kindness to others. I am glad that love comes back to you through so many. Enjoy your weekend!

Anonymous said...
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dec0r8or said...

Oh, I'm sorry I missed it too! So I guess I'll wish you a very merry UNbirthday TODAY, instead! I'm glad you had such a lovely day. It's nice to know we're loved, isn't it? :)

Lady Prism said...

Oooooh' I'm laaaate...sigh...

Nevertheless, Happy Happy Birthday Rose! You have been such an inspiring gift to me. Your words make me think and ponder and muse on things long after I've signed off from the internet...I look forward to more of your writings...

And my wish for you is a loooong joyful life where the sunbeams target you specifically for "happy power" each day :>

Anonymous said...

ARGH! I was so caught up in my health issues I missed your birthday!!! I am so so sorry!!!

I am so glad you had so many family, friends and co-workers to share your joy with you over such a special day. I am grateful February 15th happened one year long ago *but not TOO long ago* and it will now be one of my favorite days of the year.

Love you!
Sister Lynn of the Stream

Amber Cargile said...

A big giant HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Rose! I love that photo! I fully believe a gal should be Queen for the Day on her birthday. I am glad you savored so many wonderful true gifts! Hope you're still celebrating! :-)