On the Day I Was Born…

It's that time of year. Outside is sultry and bright and the temperature brain fogging.  An ice-cream cone a must. I want to grab a tree rope like the kind seen in old movies. And briskly fly through steamy July with the wind brushing my cheek and drying off the sweat. I want to swing to the “best day” that eased the summer from the usual to a the extra-ordinary. A day marking who I had been and who I had yet to be.

 If for only a moment.

The morning arrives. Curious eyes greet the sun and recognize a day the same as yesterday, but in a way like no other. A step from one year into the next.

Now to experience the middle years. The year to leave childhood ways and step into being a grown-up.  Yes, it was time for the grand age of thirteen. I was so ready.

But I had overslept.

The day had already tiptoed in. The house was quiet. Dad had left for work, and since it was summer vacation, my brother and sister had gone off with friends.

Mom called to me. “There is a fresh raspberry cheese Danish on the table. We can all have some later, but if you want a piece, help yourself.”

The day was perfect with a thick slab of amazing coffeecake and armful of books. I perched in a backyard tree reading, munching, and wondering what sort of adult I would be.

Later, with a wallet of birthday money, I went downtown and jazzed up with a Twiggy dress, hat, and boots. I put on the bold, bright colors of hippie-styling with cropped-styled hair, long bangs, and a ton of eye make-up. As I left, I stood tall in the storefront window. And smiled big.

I was truly part of the mod set.

Life moved on.

Fast forward to a time about ten years later. I recall being overwhelmed by piles of college textbooks and long hours working at a drug store. I was trying to figure what to me were massive expenses … tuition, rent, car upkeep and maybe buying some eggs and hamburger. There was hardly a moment to just breathe.

Then it happened. A lovely day when no hours were scheduled for work. It was also July and another birthday was coming up.  Better yet, I was able to get together with good friends at a neighborhood park. The theme was to “Get Fit Day.”

As a group we challenged each other to do serious exercise. The plan was to bike five miles, followed by speed walking, and jogging several laps on a dirt track.

It didn’t matter that the bike route was mountainous or that the track was rocky and dusty. Or that the temperature was in the mid 90’s with high humidity. Piece of cake.

Ready. Get set. Go.

Off we went. We were all willpower and determination.

A good while later we returned to our park site. Some were early birds, thoroughly energized and beaming with athletic prowess. The rest were totally wiped out, as they staggered in . . . throwing their drinking water over their heads.

“Anyone want to have a jumping jack contest?” suggested Janie. Although pouring sweat from every pore, she wanted to keep going. The moaning and groaning grew louder.

She then hauled a large cooler into the circle of sweating athletes. “Instead, how about some cool tea and fresh cherries?”

In a minute, we were pouring tea and munching on the ripe fruit. Lisa perked up and said, “I never thought cherries could be so refreshing …even if I have red fingers and probably ruby lips.”

Janie laughed as she passed around napkins. “Now how about we all clean up and meet at the Chowder Kitchen for a healthy and scrumptious dinner?” All heads lifted. Janie was unto something. “We could even have a piece of Black Forest cake!”

Hastily, we packed up our cars. I followed my friends out of the park, thankful for such a good start on the eve of my birthday. Really, there was no way I would miss out on a cake “made in a dark forest.”

Many years have gone by since that steamy day. I have stepped into marriage and family-big time with four children. But I have to say … celebrating with my children were times of the most wonderful birthday parties ever! Of expectation, joy, and hope. Just seeing the gleam in their eyes and hearing their screeching laughter created heart felt memories.

Our young children are now grown adults fully involved in life. We celebrate each other’s special day with special thoughts, cards, gifts and gatherings. Sometimes by just being who they are.

There can be pleasure in remembering our notable day of birth on this planet. A time to be to be grateful for life, a gift given us. A time to respect one another as sojourners, sharing all our days on the planet Earth … as one departs and another arrives.

Embracing the day. Realizing the moment. Holding unto the memory. This is our life.

… “and that’s how I live it.”

And  a hearty birthday greetings to you, my dear reader.