“Its not the years in life you live but the life you live in these years”. I am humbled by these words which struck me as I was watching a Christmas movie from Hallmark. I am not quite sure of the title of the movie but when the actor said these at the dinner table as a toast to the group as a Christmas message to them I had to jot the message down. Every day is a precious day with ordinary things made extraordinary by the very essence of who or what is happening.
Yesterday my oldest sister out of the blue, bless her heart, sent a video chat invitation while i was caring for my second oldest grandchild. I picked up and my sister said, “Hey mom. Sing Happy Birthday to your daughter.” When my sister turned the video camera to my mom, there she was with a big smile, eyes opened, and looking at me (or at least it felt that way). I of course said a big hello and then stopped talking because for the first time in months I got to see my mom lucid. She began to sing the Happy Birthday song to me. It was her voice, a little worn and rusty, but oh my poor heart,,,,I teared up. I am doing that now just remembering the precious gift I could ever have asked for on my birthday. She sang the whole birthday song!!! I cannot tell you the last time she was present, alert, aware. It breaks my heart wonderfully today. Woohoo!!
Mom!!! I kept repeating her name. Mom!!! I was in shock, in awe, grateful. For a few minutes she was present with me and my sister. She responded to our conversation, turning her head, and even chuckling. My mom has this charming spread of her nose when she is thinking funny and not so funny thoughts. LOL. She did it!! Mom!! Boy I miss her. But I’ll take what I am can get and that was my icing and chocolate chip cookie and Christmas morning and cherry cheese cake and popcorn bundled as the BEST GIFT EVER. Yesterday, her face showed she was listening with her expressions and words. Can’t ask for much more.Thank you sister. Thank you Mom. Thank you.
It is the little things in one’s life that are extraordinary. I find myself in a reflective mood today as I celebrate a new year. My grandson who is 13 wrote in my card that I am still kicken’. Wow! Grandson don’t hold back as he hovers over me from his six foot frame last evening. LOL. Naturally he comes out with sass. I guess being 64 is getting up there. Out of the mouths of babes. Thankfully I have my grandaughter who is 4 and says, “I love you lots.” And birthdays to her are to be lively and joyous. So what does she do for me? She even made cupcakes with me wanting to make my day special. I’ll take it.
Me I have tended to keep my day quiet and not notable. Not because I think about my age but I like to be low key so to speak. Yet, I am reminded that it is not about me in as much as it is about those who think of you and want to make the day brighter. Of course family and friends take your day and make it their own in terms of best wishes and expressions of love or like, which can be quite simple to funny to thoughtful to even a blessing. What is important is that it is about you to them. And the incredible thing about birthday wishes is that someone thought about you enough to want to go out of their way to take the time to say Happy Birthday. Or send you a card or E-card or gift. Is that not wondrous!! You are called by name in celebration. You are important to them. Yeah? Yes.
One of my favourite places to go and spend time with is in the Hallmark store or card section of a store. Where in the world do the authors of the cards get their ideas? Sometimes I just go to get a lift in spirit or need a really good laugh. Although some cards or even E-cards can be a wee bit, no a lot bit, of ‘oh my’. This is a Family to PG site. LOL. But truly, the words can spring out and touch you in such a way that it was written with you in mind for the person you are thinking about.
Mind you I have to say with a gulp that the practical side of me comes out when I turn over the card and look at the price. Not to take away from the card but goodness. LOL Well nothing says happy birthday like an email. Twitter. Snapchat. Facebook. Or showing up at the door, “It’s me. surprise!!”
Or the special gift that finds its way to you be it a blue heron or a picture with words of wisdom or a Mars bar or a cheesecake on a stick or cheese popcorn or romance book or a Christmas ornament. The list can go on but the gift itself regardless of what it is….it is found just for you. Although I am glad my parents were strict with me and my siblings and hopefully I was with my own girls because sometimes gifts can be different. That is all I am going to say about that. It is the thought that counts.
So for today, if it is your birthday, celebrate you because you are wonderfully made. Know that you are thought of, are special, and truly a gift to those around you. How you spend it and what you do with your day will be up to you. But make it spectacular. And if it is not your birthday but someone you know is celebrating their day…well giddy up. As Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact (1983) had said, “Go ahead, make my day.” Maybe not be so dramatic with the weaponry and all but you get the gist.
Today is a good day for It is not the years I have lived which has been a few for sure but it is what I have lived and live in those years. I’m so grateful for the life given to me and for the people who have crossed paths with. So thank you God, family and friends for making my life a celebration. And more importantly to celebrate you. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of our prayers today and for those who celebrate their birth day. Amen.
PS. And if you do not know what to say to the fine fairweather friends or family on a card or note or in person etc….
Happy Birthday To….
You are the brightest star in the galaxy! Happy Birthday, to you. goodhousekeeping.com
I asked Google how old you were….and she laughed. GYYsweetus
I’m sure you feel pretty lucky to call me a friend. Not everyone is as fortuante as you. Happy Birthday. goodhousekeeping.com
We may need to call the fire department to help blow out all those candles. Happy Birthday. goodhousekeeping.com
When I think about some of my favourite memories, you are always a part of them. Cheers to more fun times together. Best wishes on your birthday! goodhousekeeping.com
A Good friend is like a bra…hard to find, supportive, upligting and always close to your heart. GYYsweetus
They say the older you are the smarter you are. At this age, you must be a genius. Best wishes to your. goodhousekeeping.com
When we met, I knew that you’d always be a part of ,my life. I admire your kindness, fun personality and your heart. Blessings and best wishes. goodhousekeeping.com
Whatever you do, don’t let aging get you down. It’s way to hard to get back up again. Country Living
Happy birthday to a dude who isn’t showing his age – or acting it, either. Country living
What did the bald guy say when he got a comb for his birthday? Thanks, ill never part with it. Country Living
The best part of being older is that you did most of your stupid stuff before social media. Cheers to another trip around the sun! Country Living
You dont’ look a day over 20. From a distance. With my eyes squinted. Happy birthday, bestie. Country Livng
Karenpondering 