Birth

I always laughed at the people who acted as if their birthday were the equivalent of a national holiday. Does everyone not realize that birthdays are the ONE thing we all have in common?? We all have one, every single one of us, and every single year at that!

I used to test my parents to see if I didn't mention my birthday, perhaps they would forget. Being the most loving parents ever, they never did. Even this year, they sent me not one, but TWO birthday cards, both of which arrived a day in advance. The middle child in me, always pleading for attention, never gets the fulfillment of that 16 candles moment. I just want to eat cake on a table with a hot guy dammit!

This year I stayed true to form by keeping it low key and not mentioning it to many people. I maintained all of my obligations today, including going to work and teaching a yoga class, because I am a human with a birthday, not a princess with a holiday.

But despite my efforts to keep it a normal day, my emotions were stirred by the contact I had with so many of my loved ones. Today I had the chance to speak with or see nearly all of those whom I care about so deeply. One old friend even called me out of the blue.. With no idea whatsoever the significance of the day.

It all made me think, if birthdays mean I get to tell people how much I love them, then I'll take it. I'm not about to declare November 15 Brittany day, but I sure do feel moved.

And I love you all so much.