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dneumann1972

I Want A Birthday Party!

"I Want a Birthday Party" has become a book cherished by many, often given as a birthday present. I find this deeply ironic because Annie, the protagonist, discovers that birthdays aren't about parties or gifts wrapped in paper. Instead, she learns that birthdays are about celebrating the presents received over the last year: family, love, memories, and friendship.


As a child, I always thought the saying, "The best gifts aren't wrapped in a box," was silly because, how can a gift not be in a box? But as I get older, I have found truth in that saying.


This week, I celebrated my 52nd birthday. I did not have a birthday party, nor did I want one. But I did have a glorious day. I took time to reflect on my previous year, shared some memories, laughed, cried, and looked forward to things to come.


My parents are no longer with me, and I took a moment to cry because I miss them. But I also thought about the story of my birth that they shared with me so many times. I feel like I actually remember that childhood memory and took a moment to chuckle at the thought of interrupting my dad’s sermon because I wanted to come out.


I took some time to think about this last year. Our family hit some road bumps: testicular cancer, the loss of a family member, and some financial issues. However, we also had a lot of things to celebrate: a wedding, a college graduation, a 21st birthday, and another published book. We went on an epic adventure to Alaska, and I was so glad that Cody was able to join us since it is probably one of the last times he will, as he is entering adulthood and moving on with his life.


I also took some time to think about things for the upcoming year. Several book festivals, a plan to check off three more states from my bucket list of 50, and celebrating Cody achieving his MSW. I also thought about what I wanted for my next year and made a resolution to continue to make boundaries between my personal life and work life so I can take care of myself and spend as much time as possible with my grand-baby.


Instead of a birthday party, I was completely content making memories with my grand-baby. We went on an adventure, and although he probably won’t remember it, it is a memory that is etched into my mind, and I have pictures to share with him as he grows up.


So yes, it was my birthday. I didn’t have or want a birthday party. But I did get the best gift: TIME! Time to reflect, time to make memories, and time to make promises for the upcoming year. Here is to 52!!

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