Something about birthdays

Even when it's not your own birthday it's easy and relevant to be thankful for that person on theirs. I don't know about you but all the attention and photos and happy birthdays songs begin to feel one too many pretty quickly. Of course, I love my birthday. I mean it's right at the beginning of summer when the days are long and hot, but I would say that I find it easier and sometimes more enjoyable to do some reflecting on someone else's birthday rather than on my own day of celebration. I think it's because there's less pressure, yes pressure.

 The way I sometimes see my birthday is pressure for the balloons to stay up straight and bouncing on the ceiling wall, pressure to have the perfect wish for your new year ahead on your birthday cake, pressure to like or perhaps pretend to like all of your birthday presents, and pressure to do something that everyone dreams of doing on their birthday. Now that adds up to a lot of pressure! I think this year, I let those things go. And it happended to be a very personal day in the end. What I realized is that all that really matters is that you turned another age older, and it was something memorable, and enjoyable and that you can remember it for the years ahead.

Yesterday was two of my best friend's birthdays. My mom, and my sister, who have the same birthday. Being thankful for someone on their birthday is a very nice thing since before that day, so or not so many years ago, they didn't exist. That's kind of weird to think about, but it's true and that's what makes me thankful for them. But do you know what makes me even more thankful for these treasures? The fact that they have been away this entire week, and are coming back home. I don't think there's anything better than that, after having a hard week and finally being able to talk and laugh and maybe even cry with the ones you love most.

Happy Birthday Mom! Happy Birthday Elisabeth! May this year be one of great happiness and passion for life. I know it will because that's what you bring everyday, passion, happiness and laughter that tickles my bone. I love you both so much!