”Many of us can remember a time when a birthday–especially if it was one’s own–brightened the world as if a second sun has risen.” — Robert Staughton Lynd
Last Friday started the beginning of Birthday Month for our family. Within the first two weeks of June, we have five birthdays. My mother began the month on the 1st; my son will follow up on the 5th; my sister-in-law is the 14th; and my youngest daughter and I have the privilege of sharing a birthday on the 9th. She was, without a doubt, my most exciting birthday gift!
What started out as a routine test on my birthday, turned into an induction and the hurried birth of 5.5 pounds of attitude (by natural childbirth, no less). Anna was determined to be born according to HER timing, always had a very firm sense of her own mind, and has continued that trait into adolescence. She is a joy, and is patient with the fact of having a mother who is much older than those of her friends. Having a child later in life certainly helps keep one young; not to mention, it keeps one moving! As a result, the concept of age and birthdays lost its sting for me at her birth. The best part is that she stole my birthday! It’s much more exciting celebrating her milestones with her.
“Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative.” — Maurice Chevalier
Maurice Chevalier has some wonderful quotes on age and aging. You should look them up sometime when you’re feeling… well, let’s put it this way… less than young. I have found that the concept of aging isn’t bad when you consider the alternative. The close calls that I have had with my strokes give me a perspective that is different from someone who hasn’t slipped so close to the alternative. I have spoken with others of my age and health circumstance, and have found similar perspectives. It is one of the blessings I’ve received from the strokes.
“The older one gets the more one comes to resemble oneself.”–Maurice Chevalier
The quote above is one of my favorites, because I find it to be so true. I touched on this in my poem Unexpected Comprehension, that moment when we settle into who we are. It is a moment filled with acceptance, of our self and our life, as it is. I feel the settling within my self. How about you?
How do you deal with birthdays, and aging? Do you embrace another year with abandon, or are you perpetually 29? I’d love to know! Make my birthday by sharing some thoughts about yours.
~C-Lea
Related articles
- Marking the Milestones – Birthdays (plowingthefields.wordpress.com)
- My Children’s Day birthday (thisisevamaria.wordpress.com)
- Aging Sucks (catatonicinmyhead.wordpress.com)
- How Common Is Your Birthday? (geardiary.com)
