Musings of a Birthday Girl

Birthdays are starting to be fun again. If I measured happiness in percentage across time, with each of my birthdays as a tick mark on the x-axis, I would have an inverted bell-shaped curve. (In non-statistic language, I guess that would be a "U".) I think I hit my low point right around 27 - having recently moved away from good friends and a city that I loved to inhabit. A decade later, I find myself more emotionally involved with situations removed from me, overtly conscious of my environmental imprint in this world, outspoken yet inwardly secluded. Gone is the Joy that wanted to be President and was voted most likely to succeed. Nowadays, I'm more content with fixing a yummy meal for my husband than climbing corporate ladders.

Having been born on the fourth of July, I've led a life pampered with birthday celebrations that always climaxed into fireworks. And no matter what day of the week it fell on, I always got a respite from the ritual humdrum of everydayness. For the longest time, I thought the whole world celebrated my birthday. Then I learned about American History and that bubble quickly burst.

I had a special birthday last week- it's the longest I've ever lived. My parents came to visit and I spent the day surrounded by people I love, taking part in activities that I enjoy. I actually celebrate birthday months now, and the good cheer follows me all the way to the 31st. My mantle is full of fun and sweet cards I've received from family and friends far and near. My heart is warm from the phone messages and e-cards I received, all the presents and pampering, and good cheer.

I have a hard respect for the life I've been given. I am blessed. I'm healthy and strong, smart and well thought of, I'm in love and loved by many. Gainfully employed, comfortably roofed, and fashionably attired. So many have so much less. Countless struggle exponentially. On this side of my inverted curve, I pray that I will share with the same delight of my childhood years that only a wise old woman can appreciate.