Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Day of Birth

I have always found it interesting how differently people look at birthdays.

Some lie about their age.


Some celebrate it as if it's an obligation...just another "Hallmark Holiday" in their year.

Some dread the day and ignore it altogether.

Myself?  Well, ever since I can remember I have celebrated the day of my birth with complete joy...only to become more joyous each year!

Basically, throughout the years I have used my birthday as an excuse to get my best group of friends together.  To me, that's what it is all about.  There's nothing more important to me than family and friends.  However, everyday life creates so many obstacles that keep us from connecting; so what better reason than someone's birthday to come together?!

And as I get older, and I have moved across the country, and friends have moved all over the globe, birthdays have become even MORE important to me.  Today, I can't even tell you how many people sent me well wishes on Facebook.  Hundreds.  Now, I'm not going to pretend that each one of these produced a sentimental feeling in me.  But you know what?  MANY of them did.  I heard from people that I haven't seen in over 10 years.  And even though it's been a long time, they are people who I will ALWAYS love.  If it weren't for FB I may not even still be in touch with...

Vickie...my (what do guys call it??) wing man?!  Vickie and I were inseparable in our 20's!  If our stories ever got out we would be pretty embarrassed !  LOL!  Flash forward to present day...Vickie is happily married and the mother of an adorable, bespectacled 'Bing'.

Edra...my Godsend of a coworker/friend on my first job in the "Big City" of Indianapolis.  I worked in the construction business on the accounting end.  Edra held the same position on a job in Kokomo.  We became fast friends over the phone and then in person.  Flash forward to present day...we rarely communicate.  Although I'm a big FB user, Edra is not so much.  But today she sent a wonderful private message.

And as a final example, I will reference my more recent friends I made during my previous job of Corporate Trainer.  I was lucky enough to travel all over the country and meet SO MANY wonderful people whom I now count as friends. It was so nice to hear from so many of them today.

In summary, I am blessed to have made so  many friends throughout my 41 years.  And if it's something as simple as birthdays or Facebook (or both) to remind us of those friendships...well, then to me that makes my birthday worth celebrating!!!

And I would be remiss to not comment on my friend, B, who is fighting for her life as I type this.  I'm sure she would give anything to be guaranteed another birthday.  So THAT is a great reason to celebrate!!!

Thanks to everyone who sent me sweet messages.  I miss and love you.  XoXoXo

Celebrate the day that you were brought into this world...each and every year.