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"A Happy Birthday"
When I was small (pre-teen) I loved my birthdays. They were always times of excitement and fun. But after my mother died any type of holiday or celebration lost its charm. I just preferred my birthday be treated like any other day and I was happiest when I could go on with the routine of my life.
After I got married this attitude of mine used to drive my wife crazy. She is big on birthdays and likes to celebrate them. So I tried to dredge up some enthusiasm especially after our boys were born and they wanted to celebrate. Still inside I would rather just let the day pass without any fanfare.
Last Thursday was my birthday. My wife was at work and I had agreed to go to Tifton to take part in the Governor's Conference on Tourism. My wife and some friends said it was a shame I had to be working on my birthday. I left the house with a smile on my face. It was Thursday, a day like any other, and there was no celebration planned.
On that Thursday I shared a booth with fellow authors Bonnie Cella and Amy Blackmarr. We talked with the people who were attending the conference, told them a little bit about Georgia authors, and even sold a few books. It was a great day, no a grand day. I like being able to meet new people and learn about what they do. I like having people ask me about my writing as well as about my weekly radio show. It is fun, and it is part of the routine of my life.
On Saturday my wife and I went to Moultrie to see my son, daughter in law and grandchildren. We grilled steaks and had potatoes and salad with them. Then we had a chocolate chip cookie with a candle stuck in the middle of it. I was presented with a new pair of khaki shorts as well as Tim McGraw's new CD. I had a wonderful time because it was a gathering not on my birthday.
Sunday my wife made my favorite dinner of roast beef cooked with little potatoes, carrots and onions. It was delicious. I ate myself silly and I enjoyed every bite. It was a super meal on a day that was not my birthday.
In October we are going to make a trip to Durham to see my son and daughter in law. While there I have been told we will celebrate my birthday. I know I will enjoy it because it will take place on a day that is not my birthday.
Does all of this sound a little bit crazy? Probably. But I am who I am, and I am a person who gets sad on any holiday or celebration. Call it my sentimental southern side, or just call it stupid but don't try to force me to be a joyful person on these days. I will celebrate on the off days and be as personable and charming as possible. It is kind of wacky but it is the way I want to be.
By the way a friend sent me a caramel cake to help me celebrate. I got it the day before my birthday so that was fine. And it was fine again the day after my birthday. |
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©2007 Jackie K. Cooper |
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