Happy Birthday to Me!

Most of us can remember a time when a birthday - especially if it was one's own - brightened the world as if a second sun has risen.          ~Robert Staughton Lynd

When I woke up this morning, the day felt different. It took a few moments for me to remember-- today was my birthday! Just about every other day when I get up I am thinking of what needs to be done, the chores and responsibilities I have lined up to work on that day. But not today! I laid in bed for a few minutes feeling that delicious "I've got nothing to do today!" feeling, and then started remembering other birthdays...

The year I turned thirteen was a special one. My father had announced that since I was going to be a teenager, he had something special planned. He invited me to go out to lunch with him... The day fell during the week, so he was working. Work back then was only a 10 minute drive from our home, so he arranged to come and pick me up. My mother was not working outside the home at that time, and it was summer so my sister was at home... but this was just me and my dad. I can remember the home made dress I wore, and the big clunky sixties' style medallion I wore around my neck. He picked me up and off we went to a local restaurant. It was a place that he had eaten at often with work friends (probably related to Rotary Club meetings?). He had talked about an open faced sandwich they served there called a "Shrimp Ho!" sandwich... and this was what I ordered.

I remember the place was fancy enough that we were escorted to our seats and the chair was held for me by the host. There were linen napkins. The water glasses had stems... like wine glasses, almost! The food was delicious. I felt sooooooooo grown up and so proud to be with my dad. So special! It was special enough that I can remember the details all these many years later...

Celebrating birthdays, and other milestones of course, is important. So today, I will take the day off from chores and responsibilities, and enjoy my day. My husband has some plans involving meals and perhaps even ice cream-- bless him! Getting back to chores and responsibilities will come tomorrow and that is fine. But I have learned, finally, that it is okay to let people fuss a little over me on this occasion... Happy Birthday to Me!!