Words from a Reader

The “Writing Life Stories” e-mails I receive are such treasures. As soon as I see there is one in my inbox, I read it immediately. I look forward to them and never know how they will touch me. They can be interesting, informative, humorous, and/or touching.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Birthdays - what to celebrate?

Me and my tiny birthday cake. It was too pretty to cut, but it  tasted good.
In my hair is the lovely flower used to make leis in Hawaii.

Birthdays are big milestones when we are children. Remember when you were ten years old? How about that wonderful birthday that we thought would change our lives -- sixteen? Drivers License!!
Some can't wait for the day they reach drinking age which used to be 18, but is now 21. During those years we anticipate future birthdays with excitement.


Having celebrated a birthday recently, I faced some facts I'd not looked in the eye before.

1. No matter how much people say, You don't look your age, I don't feel any better about ageing.
2. No matter that the nurse at the dermatologist's office said I had "wisdom" spots on my hands, I know they are due to all those years I baked in the sun at Panama City Beach when I was young.
They have nothing to do with wisdom, but everything to do with age.
3. No matter that I used to celebrate with roses and wine, now my roses are on the tiny cake and my therapist said I need to drink more water.
4. No matter that I had no loving card from my husband this year, I know he still wishes me a happy birthday, and I can read the ones he gave me for all my birthdays in years past, because I kept every one.

4 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Glenda! May your days ahead be wonder-filled! And you know, I've heard it said, 'tis better to celebrate a birthday with everything it brings with it than the alternative...

    May you celebrate many more!

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  2. Hi Glenda,
    Happy birthday. My next one comes up near the end of November. For whatever reason this one, #78 has caused me to stop and contemplate my life. I am grateful for the gift of my husband, Grant, and for my health. Despite heart problems I am able to fiddle with my garden and do what I want, as long as I don't over-do. But I still suffer the loss of my daughter and think about might-have-beens. Her birthday comes the day after mine and it's difficult to ignore. Today I thought about all the good memories I have, the husband I have, my many friends, and the gift of writing. It's overwhelming, the wonderful people we meet on this path we travel. I happy to have met you and amazed at what you have done with your life since Barry has gone. He sees you and is proud of your courage.
    You've shared your gifts with so many. Please remember that. Hugs, Nancy Purcell

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  3. Oh, so true, Lise. I'll accept it, and enjoy each year I age.
    Much better than the alternative!

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  4. Thank you, Nancy for your uplifting words. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have lost a child and to go on as you have done. I am inspired by your drive, your knowledge and your kindness to others. Age isn't holding you back. You go Girl!
    Have a wonderful birthday in November.

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