Back in elementary school it felt like the globe would nearly stop for a birthday. Family would travel in from out of town, Mom would cook a favorite meal and neighbors would stop over to celebrate too. There was a school celebration, a home celebration and it might even roll over to a weekend celebration with the grandparents and extended family. A birthday was something you literally looked forward to all year.
As time ticked on and the teenage years rolled around, the birthday celebration seemed to dwindle down a little. Now it was more about getting the pair of sneakers or outfit you’ve been wanting all year. The gift was usually waiting on your bed when you returned home from school. The cake and a quick song were reserved for after dinner that evening. Extended family now calls on the phone to offer a quick greeting. This was back when the phone was still attached to the wall of course. But there was no longer a reason to stop everything and travel into town to celebrate a birthday. “You’re older now” and that’s not necessary. A quick phone call was sufficient.
After the monumental birthdays of turning age 18 and 21, I started hearing the phrase, “Birthdays are just another day.” By this time most people are working on their birthday to catch up on bills, cover expenses and save for some rainy day that may or may not come. Celebrations, songs, cakes and candles are now in the background or even just in the memories. You’re an adult now and we have adult things to care for. Cakes, candles, and smiles are for children.
Today, most of your birthday greetings are now offered through a quick text message or prewritten Facebook greeting that a computer generates. Handwritten cards full of sentimental thoughts are a thing of the past. We’re living in a time and at an age where everyone is busy with more important stuff. You know, things like mortgage and car payments. Chipping away at medical bills and student loans. Starting new business ventures and staying focused on bigger and better things ahead. Birthdays now are truly, “just another day.”
As time continues to fly, responsibilities continue to multiply, and days easily combine to make years. People we know, or knew, start departing from this life that seems to be ever so fragile. Some are family, others are friends with their own families. Some are old friends we haven’t seen in years; others are neighbors we just waved to yesterday. Many departures bring back good memories when times were simpler, birthdays were special and we valued one another’s life.
On a recent social media post announcing the sudden passing of an old high school friend, someone wrote, “If I knew this would have been the last birthday I would have celebrated with you, I would have sang a little longer and celebrated like never before. I wish I had that chance back.”
It’s not just another day; it’s a gift that can be taken from us at any time. Slow down and celebrate someone you love. One day you’ll be glad you did.
