In our family we have several birthday traditions. A family dinner. The birthday person gets to choose their favourite food. Birthday cake. Birthday presents are not essential but some of us always remember to bring something. After the eating is over, we sit in a circle, or around the table, and say something to or about the birthday person.
March 13th was my birthday and although I can confidently say these are our family birthday traditions I don’t remember ever being the subject of the after-dinner circle. Until this week. I was the recipient of a round table of affirmations. I heard about the quirky but positive aspects of my motherhood. My life affirming ways of grandmothering. My non-judgemental relationships with my friends and neighbours. My loving way of being a wife. Although Tex did say that he’s happy we hooked up late in life. He wasn’t sure he would have been up for an entire life with me.
I sat. I listened. At first a bit uncomfortable. A bit apologetic. Too awkwardly humble to hear compliments. Too cool. But I let myself embrace the love. Me, the receiver. What a strange experience. And now, here I am repeating good things about myself. It feels even stranger still. Surely I must be too cool for that. But I’m not.
What else could I ask for, for my birthday than to know I am truly loved? That I am forgiven for my parenting blunders. That I have helped my family and friends grow and get through their lives.
What a wonderful gift.
And then there are the dozens of Facebook friends who sent Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday friend. Happy Birthday Auntie. Some sent short memories of time we have spent together.
What else could I ask for? Than for the people in my life to take one brief moment in their lives to think of me.
And while I bemoan the world. And all of you who are reading this have read your share of my bemoaning. On my birthday weekend, I am celebrating goodness and love.
What a wonderful gift.
Thank you thank you all
lovely