To be honest, I was always low-key about my birthdays and still am to a degree. I never minded sharing a party with a family member who had birthdays close to mine. I never needed a cake. I never needed the singing. I was happy just being. And being able to say I survived whatever monumental events that might have happened in the previous year. Each birthday makes us stronger and wiser (well, most of us...)! ;)
I like taking note of things like that. What I have gone through in the past year, what I have learned, accomplished, etc. I started looking at my birthday even more differently in 2007 when I had to bury my grandmother on my actual birthday. This woman had a huge part in raising me and I know that without her I would not have had many of the luxuries that I was provided. She was ALWAYS there for me even when no one else was, would be, or could be. Having to say goodbye to her was the hardest thing I've ever done and it put things in perspective especially because it was on my birthday.
We're not promised tomorrow or another candle on a birthday cake. Live life to the fullest and be proud of what you have accomplished. Never hold back your feelings or be embarrassed of them. Just go out and live a life that you can be proud of.
So if you'll please excuse me, I'm going out to celebrate! Though I still don't need the singing...
