**Singing** back down memory lane…

I love old photos and music.  You can catch me at any time snapping pics, and listening (and singing) to music.  The featured photo today is from my 25th birthday.  You know your 25th birthday can go up there with your 18th, 21st, and 30th birthday.  I could rent a car by myself, and my car insurance premium decreased.  #Winning

My birthdays have always been extra special.  I have the gift of remembering others birthdays and being more excited for them than for my own.  Insert **YASSSSS, TURN UP, LET’S GRAB DRINKS & BAR HOP!**  I love celebrating birthdays, because it gives us another opportunity to be great.

What happens when someone special forgets your birthday?  You’re crushed, right?  I know when people used to forget my birthday I would be all in my little feelings.  Who am I kidding, I still feel some type of way when certain people forget.  I used to think well I remembered their birthday, they should remember my birthday!  I was tired of one person forgetting my birthday after I turned eighteen.  So, I decided to speak up about it.  No more calling my sister or mother to remind them that it was my birthday.

I began writing my birthday on my dad’s calendar.  This huge calendar hung in the kitchen, and it also served as his appointment reminders.   I said he’ll remember this year I tell ya!  I’m writing in big purple letters!  HE FORGOT AGAIN!

One day I decided to ask my dad why was it so hard to remember my birthday.  I was born a day after his mother.  It should be the easiest to remember!  In a calm voice I finally received an answer, one that I didn’t expect.  “When granny died, I tried to forget everything that was attached to her, including her birthday.  You never notice that my appointments are heavy in January. ”  I was speechless.  I identified my dad’s way of grieving.  To shield his hurt he became busy.  It made perfect sense.  On holidays such as Mother’s Day or Memorial Day he became unavailable.  Too busy to do anything.  On that day I realized my birthday was no longer about me anymore it was about others.

I adopted the practice of celebrating my birthday alone or with others, either way I was going to celebrate life.  For those that reached out to me on my birthday I always wanted them to know how special I felt for even remembering, and offer some encouragement.  Yes, offer a little love to them on your day.  It’s not that hard!  My birthday is not solely about me.  I had to remember there are some grieving people out there, and it was selfish of me to be upset with anyone about forgetting my birthday.  Especially when there are others waiting to celebrate the gift of life.

Your birthday is a gift from God.  Celebrate the possibility of becoming a better you, and share a little love to others in the process.