On the Eve of A Birthday
Tomorrow is my birthday. Again. They sure do come fast and furious now – like contractions. And yet, I still get a little secret thrill from them although I would not admit that out loud to anybody. Nevertheless, like a child, I will probably have a delighted feeling inside all day. I’m too adult (or too old) to expect presents and cake but what I’ve discovered through the years is that I need neither to feel loved on my day.
I recall nearly all my birthdays. Shout out an age and I could probably tell you how I celebrated. 9! Oh that was the birthday my older brother ripped up his leg on an old standing pipe in the backyard and my party had to disband for a bloody trip to the ER – we never even lit the candles on the cake. 17! How could I forget the first birthday I received a present from a boy – a way-too-sophisticated-for-me gold watch with black Roman numerals I could barely read. 23! That birthday occurred in the middle of my bridal year and the evening sparkled more than the diamond on my finger. 30! A sad little birthday alone with my baby in a big house – but her kisses and pats saw me through. 40!, 47!, 53!…and so it goes. And goes…
What I love most about my birthdays now are the cards I receive. For two days I let them stand like soldiers on my bookshelf. I’m tempted to take a picture of them and unabashedly show them off but it’s what’s written inside that slays me the most. Winsome phrases and words that make me feel cherished. A friend from far away who tells me that she misses me or even better – that she thinks of me. Imagine that. Thank you, Carol, I think of you, too.
I am always charmed as well, when a well-wisher’s card depicts something meaningful to me. Such was the card I received yesterday from my sister – knowing how much I adore blue and white china and orchids, she somehow found a card with both! Cards like my sister’s say more than Happy Birthday…they say “I know you”. It’s always nice to read, “I saw this and thought of you”, as Judy’s card did today when she sent one with a lovely woman on her bed with a laptop. Yep, that’s me, even now as I write for you here. Judy knows. Karen knows too with all the marvelous fairy dust cards she finds just for me. “The more glitter, the better”, we both agree. Dear Karen, I feel the sparkling love.
I expect birthday greetings from my beautiful niece who always nails it with particularly thoughtful cards, my daughter who finds just the right words to tug at her mother’s heart. And my mother, whose cards I deem especially sacred now – her prim handwriting is still the same as the notes she wrote to my school teachers long ago, but the pretty script belies the passage of time…
And so, on my birthday’s eve, I ask you – why should I not feel a secret little thrill?
16 Comments
Karen
I love birthdays, too!!! I am always confused when folks dodge their birthdays or shun good wishes…bring them on! Love is scarce enough! Happy birthday to YOU!! Hugs, Karen
Donna Macdonald
Thank you Dear!
Elle
Ah, but you do Donna! It is evident in the pleasure you get from well chosen cards, that clearly come from those you know and cherish you.
I think that taking the time to to
Truly know someone if it’s own form of caring, and an intense kind and one that resonates as time goes
By
and by and by…
Happy birthday 🎈
❤️🌸❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Hope my new site is navigatabe!
Donna Macdonald
You said it all Elle! Thank you!
Karen K
Happy Birthday Donna. Thank you for sharing your gift of creative writing. Your beautiful descriptions spark our imaginations and bring forth fond memories. I hope you had a fabulous day.
Donna Macdonald
I did! Thank you Karen!
Erina
Thrill away! A most Happy Birthday to you Donna. Every year is something to celebrate, and feel grateful for. I love birthdays; it's my Day, and the beginning of my personal New Year. All new and unlived. I even start embracing my new number a few months before, kind of working it in. Then I'm all prepared when it hits.
So, cheers to your special Day and to you. I hope this new year is a wonderful for you!
Donna Macdonald
Thank you so much faithful reader!
Susan Ruggieri
Happy Birthday Donna! Hoping all your birthday wishes come true! Would love to get together, catch up and talk knitting! Stay well my friend!
Donna Macdonald
I'm ready to knit Susan!
Carol Trotta
Your welcome! Thank you, also, Donna for thinking about me! Wish I could be there to share in your delight!
Donna Macdonald
Miss you Carol!
Donna
Happy Birthday! This is a lovely post about birthday cards and how much you appreciate them and the senders. These special people put a lot of thought into their selections. No generic, throwaway cards…
Donna Macdonald
Thank you Donna!
Vicki
Happy birthday!
Donna Macdonald
Thank you Vicki!