After 21 years of celebrating 8 grandkids birthdays the party becomes routine. Except for the 2 youngest there are no longer hats and balloons at these parties, actually there are no presents either. They don't want clothes you pick out and the toys, all electronics, are too expensive so cash is the way to go.
The party becomes an excuse to get together with your busy family, eat a good dinner and make a fuss over the birthday girl or boy. Pass out the cards which instantly get tossed aside and the cash goes in the pocket.
Yesterday had 2 honorees. Amanda turned 18 on the 26th and Kevin turned 14 on the 29th. So for the last 14 years they have shared a party. Last year after the traditional Happy Birthday Song, Kevin blew out all the candles causing Amanda to squeal "It's My Birthday Too. " This year she perched on the edge of her seat and at the perfect moment as the last note hit the wrong key (most are not singers in this family) she let out one big blow and all the candles were out leaving a bewildered look on Kevin's face and pure delight on Amanda's. Miss Amanda has learned living with 4 brothers you sit in wait, forget nothing and pay back when least expected. That's my girl.
The thought then comes to mind, how important is it to be recognized on your birthday as the one and only honoree? I have never had to share my day with anyone I know. Of course there are many people in the world born on June 10th but in my circle, it's only me. I like it that way. It is only me. What about the twins. Anthony and Nick never knew anything but sharing their day with each other and then when Andrew came along, the youngest grandkid from a different family, one day after the twins it was only practical to combine all 3 with one big dinner, one big cake but Happy Birthday to Anthony, Nick and Andrew. What's that all about? No special day? Or is it the actual day that counts? Not the party day? We all have a right to feel special at least one day a year. Maybe it is up to our loved ones to make sure we get that day, or maybe it is totally up to us. If we can't make ourself feel special no one else can. If you share your day with another, make up a special day in your own mind to be special. no one but you has to know. Maybe.
3 comments:
You do too share your birth - with your great niece!
You read my recent post and so know that my dad became a grandfather on his birthday 6 years ago. We consider Niecey his best birthday present ever =) Of course most of the attention is now on her and not him on their birthday, but since I was stuck here and couldn't make it home to celebrate with them I plan to celebrate them when they visit on separate days.
I always motivated by you, your opinion and way of thinking, again, thanks for this nice post.
- Norman
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