I called my Dad this morning to sing Happy Birthday to him--it's a family tradition I like to keep going by calling as many family members as possible on "their" special days, no matter where they are.
I knew from talking to my Mom that Dad is getting less and less enthusiastic about celebrating the "candle count" and would just as soon forget about the years adding up. Well, I tried to convince him that this day is, always has been and should continue to be applauded and welcomed with joy. "You're still here Dad, you can still walk and talk, jump if you want, garden, see and hear, spend time with your family and friends--what more could you ask for?"
He got kind of quiet on the phone and I thought maybe I had overstepped my bounds--I hope not. As a lady (daughter & mother) who's going to be counting 55 fingers and toes this year, I've figured out that age is not just how you feel anymore, it's all about attitude. And I have to admit I may have more of that than I should.
Having said that, if I can keep it (outlook, mindset, perpspective--AKA attitude) in the positive lane, by encouraging others, lending a hand (and a shoulder now and then), loving those who mean everything to me, I'm certain I can live (if not longer) happier and more comfortable with each year than I was with the last.
But this post isn't supposed to be about me--I wanted to wish my Dad and any others who may be reading this today (or anytime) a blessed day of not just counting candles but counting blessings.
Look around you--what do you see--what do you hear? Who makes you smile, who challenges you to learn new things, what has enriched your life over this past 12 months? I don't believe any one of us could not think of at least a few times when we realized it was "grand" to just be alive.
Yes, there is a lot of sadness, sickness, turmoil and on and on it goes, in this world, and we know there always will be. Unfortunately we have no power to stop misery as long as we live. However, we can choose to seek the "sunshine" on a dark day; sometimes all it takes is for us to pick up the phone and talk to a friend. Or, in my case on birthdays, sing.
Birthdays can, and are meant to, be a perfect opportunity to reflect on our lives, on the "living" that we've done and the living left to do.
I know you may be thinking, "Get off your soap-box lady", and so I will now. I still want my Dad and you too, to have an amazing time on the day of your birth. Spend time with someone you love or perhaps someone you don't even know (volunteering). See just how meaningful this day can be.
Blessings to you and "yours", as always,
Barb
PS: I don't have a picture of Dad blowing out his candles, so I decided to post a few favourite flower photos--enjoy
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