Today was one of those days (in a good way)… one of those days that come once a year … one of those days that are somewhat bittersweet. The day when you reflect over your life relationships and accomplishments. That day would Be October 13th – my birthday – 31 years ago.
Last year I turned the big 30. It was pretty disappointing. I was large with child and hormonal. Let me recap lat year’s birthday:
I awoke awaiting a birthday guesture of some sort from hubbbie-love. When he didn’t even mention it I thought he would do it later (soon but still later). He quickly got ready to go work the Brunswick Stewbilee and left without so much as a simple “happy birthday”. Later that day I came to stewbilee with Kenimer I thought surely he would mention it – still nothing. We even walked along the waterfront together – still no mention that it was my birthday. I went home and he came home later..still no mention of it. By this time I was getting upset. I prepared to get ready to go have some birthday fellowship with my girlfriends. It was now 7:00 and my husband had not yet even hinted that the day was any different than any other. As I got ready to leave I displayed my unhappy attitude and Shannon innocently asked what was wrong? I precede to tell him I was very hurt that it is my 30th birthday and he had not yet even mentioned it and that I was feeling unimportant – among various other far more hormonal statements.
Shannon’s response was that he was going to go to the store and get me a present and card when I left to hangout with my girlfriends. I told him that that there were many other non-monetary ways to show special treatment on birthdays. I gave him a dozen suggestions in which he wholeheartedly apologized for his thoughtless behavior. He assured me he did care about my birthday and would try to be more thoughtful in the future. When I got home that evening he had bought me exactly what I had asked for – a vacuum cleaner (because I was in ‘nesting mode’ and I all I wanted to do was clean) and a ‘sweet’ card with the words “I hope your birthday gift sucks real good“! 😉 The next day I awoke and began my thirtieth year forgetting about my birthday altogether!
Fast forward to today.. I awoke this morning with hubbie gone. I came out and went down the hall I walked in the kitchen and he had written a birthday note on the chalbboard and then went in the family room in which he had another birthday note on the bulletin in that room. He got our oldest child up to trace his handprint and have him draw a picture for me which he then had our 3 year old present me with a card and Reese’s pieces (my favorite.) My son then serenaded me with ” happy birthday” – it was lovely! Hubbie-love then brought me hot tea bacon and hash-browns for breakfast! Lastly without me knowing it he pulled the sweetest stunt of all: he got my cell phone and texted a bunch of friends to remind them that it was birthday. So all throughout the day I got nice text messages and sweet voice mails from friends and family! I was overjoyed by my husbands thoughtfulness. I remembered my outburst last year and that he was trying to make it up to me! He was so precious and managed to remind me throughout the day that he loved me and was glad I existed and wanted to celebrate this day of my life!
Since I had to go to Savannah for an important appointment Shannon and the boys went with me. We went to the Pirate House for lunch then walked River street. Kenimer and I shared a bag of candy from a candy shop. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of local artists trying to make a buck! We made a few shopping stops on the way home. Overall I enjoyed my day with my precious family.
When I laid my head on my pillow I thanked my God for another year of health and wholeness – I thanked him for my beautiful boys – for letting me survive another pregnancy birth and infant. Lastly I thanked him for my amazing husband who strives to be the best he can be. My husband who isn’t always perfect but tries to be a Godly compassionate husband and father. My husband who sincerely apologizes Who says he is sorry even when he doesn’t totally undertstand my deal. Who truly studies me and seeks learn me. This year he knows me a little better and that makes my heart sing!
Thank You Lord for another year…
-Cyle