Happy (Non) Birthday

When I was little, I loved birthdays. Not just my own. Just birthdays in general. How wonderful to celebrate the birth of a person you hold dearly! There should be lots of cake and presents and fun. My mother didn't share my excitement. I guess it's because she grew up smack dab in the middle of seven kids. (That may also be why I'm an only child.) They didn't do birthdays. There wasn't money enough for such frivolities. But, oh, how I loved birthdays!

Every year when it was my mother's birthday, I'd go around the neighborhood, in a flurry of excitment, announcing the special day to one and all. My mom told me how total strangers wished her a happy birthday. To my child's mind, that would only serve to make the day more special because everyone-- even complete strangers-- are celebrating your special day. Mom didn't quite see things my way, but she didn't have the heart to discourage me from it. The things a mother will put up with for their child.

Fast forward twenty some odd years.. Here I am. Again. Announcing to everyone that today is my mother's birthday. A birthday that she claims does not exist and will never again exist. She's freaking about the big landmark one next year. Shh.. Don't tell anyone. So happy non birthday, mom. I love you!

And the big dinner plans tonight? Totally not my idea! Really!