Happy Birthday to Me

As I look at the little girl to the left I see someone who isn't going to get everything in life but is very lucky just the same.  She would grow up to have a lot of friends but just a handful who she considers close.  She would grow up to have a job which has nothing to do with what she studied in college but is more-or-less happy.  And she really wishes her mom and dad were with her today as she celebrates another birthday.

That little girl in the picture is me, taken on March 6, 1961 when I was 6 1/2 months old.  I had some really big ears but I did grow into them, I think, and I had that cross-eyed look, which I'm not.  Think the photographer must have been real close to me when he took it so my eyes had that crossed appearance.  Whatever, I think I was kind of a cute baby.  ;)

Today is my birthday.  Last night while on the computer I took a hard look at this picture and thought of the above but what I was really thinking of is that I miss my parents not being here to help celebrate.  Their lives came to an end in 1990 for my mother and 2010 for my father.  I sort of feel gypped that they are not here because they are the ones who gave me life and I am sure that those who have lost their parents feel the same way.  Your birthdays just aren't the same.

I remember, growing up, waking up on my birthday and the first thing that I said in my mind with a smile on my face was "happy birthday.  Hadn't done that in years until this morning.  I woke up and gave myself a happy birthday greeting and actually feel in a good mood.  Oh, the coffee is excellent this morning so that is helping make this day even better.  

There are good memories of celebrating my birthdays while growing up.  I really don't remember ever having parties but I do remember that my parents would let my brothers  and me choose the restaurant we'd eat at to celebrate.  That was awesome because it could be any place from McDonald's to Joe's Spaghetti House which served the best steaks in Tallahassee at the time.  Mama would bake us a cake with the candles on top and we'd make our wishes hoping they would come true.  You know how kids are, we'd wish for that special bike or a new football or new doll.  I don't remember what I wished for but I'm sure it was for material things.  Today I only wish for a healthy year so I can see another birthday.

We all need to remember that even though our dreams may not come true year-to-year or we can't have everything we really want on our birthdays or any day, we need to appreciate what we do have.  I live with someone who cares about me even though he really doesn't show it to anyone but me, three wonderful pups (happy birthday, Renegade!), a new job to look forward to starting in 12 days, a house that I love living in, and friends who love me, too.  I am truly blessed.  We all are.  Take a minute to count your blessings and see how rich your life is.  

Until next time.....

Linda