Bring it on, birthday!

I don't know when it happened exactly, but I've reached the point that when my birthday rolls around, I am truly grateful for another year on this earth. Seriously, not just saying that. I don't remember being thankful for turning older in the past, but these days I've realized that each year really is a blessing. For years, I was immaturely disappointed that some of my birthdays would come and go with minimal celebration. I don't know what I expected exactly, but I don't remember counting my blessings every year on May 18th, but I sure do now!

Even when my girls raced around the house this morning get ready for school, not having a clue it was my birthday, I smiled and thought, "Well, at least I'm here with them." Now, in the past, I admit I might have been irritated that they totally ignored me, but I've learned over the years to just give them time and eventually they remember (or Dad reminds them) and they'll come running with hugs and well wishes. And once they remember what day it is, then suddenly their rooms are cleaned and the house is picked up and they want to party it up. My youngest will make me at least one homemade card, maybe two and wrap up some stuffed animal for me, and the older two will probably send me sweet text messages or post nice messages online. God has blessed me with another healthy year to watch them grow and share in all of their life's experiences, and not all moms get to do that, so Happy Birthday to me! What a great present!

So instead of downplaying the day, which I like to do, or wishing it would pass quickly, I've decided that I welcome it! I'm not ashamed to say how old I am or to admit it's my birthday anymore! And I'm to the point now too, where I don't even care about gifts. A phone call or card and the chance to go out to eat for dinner, and by golly, it's the best birthday ever! Oh wait, I might be stretching it on that one, cause I'm thinking that vacationing on the beach might actually be the "best" birthday ever but my point is, gifts are a bonus but certainly not important.

And I also realized just this year, that it's okay for my mom and dad to make a fuss on my birthday. I imagined my girls turning my age in the future and you bet I'm going to make a big deal of it! That's my baby and I'm going to celebrate it with her! So instead of foo fooing it off when my mom and dad call and want to fuss about it, I will be thankful for the fact that they are still here to celebrate with me and acknowledge that no matter how old I am, I'm still their baby. Just might hurt 'em if I try and sit on their laps, so hugs will do.

Anyway, maybe as I age, I'm becoming more morbid or sappy, but one glance at the obituaries and I know right away that celebrating another birthday is the biggest blessing a person could have! So today I am grateful for my life and another year here with everyone I love and care for! Bring it on, birthdays! Let's celebrate!