Happy Birthday to You!

Each year the day comes. When we are young, we can’t wait for the birthday to arrive. When we get older, we view it a little differently. When we have kids or grandkids, we enjoy their day of celebration by showering them with gifts.

Well, I have learned a new way to share birthdays with those I love. My cousin, who has six boys, has taught them a wonderful way to share their special day with each other and their parents. Each time a birthday rolls around the birthday boy prepares for that day by creating gifts for each of their family members. It becomes a day for them to individually share their love and appreciation to the family. It becomes a day for the family, a day to celebrate their unique gifts, and a day to be thankful for the next year of life.

I guess it took six boys, and their very amazing mother to help me remember what this day of celebration should be about—the blessing of a new year, of being thankful for the family, and of sharing a little something from the heart.

As my birthday arrived this week, I took this lesson to heart, and wanted to share with the women in my family who have meant so much to me. Thank you all for being such a strong influence in my life.

So . . . happy birthday to you, as you celebrate that joyful day each year.