Thank You

Dearest People of this Earth:

Birthday's are so weird.

The Facebook once brought to my attention the significance of the balloon, via: "Happy Birthday, here's a plastic sac of my breath." If that doesn't make you feel special, then I don't know what will.

One of my anxieties is being the centre of attention. I want my voice to be heard, but please don't know that it's me using the voice. I rather adore the anonymity of a pseudonym.

As is usually the case, I don't appreciate the big deal that is made of my ability to add another year to my age. Therefore, I do my best to keep the knowledge of my birthday a secret until the actual day, when the Facebook ruins it. (I really need to take my date of birth off that social media goon.)

Most people wouldn't even know when my birthday is without Facebook. I often find it strange when that one person you haven't seen in five years takes the time to profess their congratulations for your not dying over the course of the last year. For at least five seconds they were thinking of you, and only you. Creepy, but also special.

Unfortunately, even if Facebook didn't tell people when my birthday is, there are too many humans on this earth who already know; and will gladly make sure that everyone else in the room is fully aware.

I did my very best to convince you people that my birthday wasn't special, that it was just a normal day in my life. 

I told my mother that all I wanted was crepes for supper and ice cream cake for dessert. She was appalled that I wouldn't ask for gifts and, therefore; took it upon herself to gather a few items that she knew I would love to receive.

It's not that I hate to receive gifts. Who doesn't want a beautifully wrapped piece of someone's fabrication? It is rather the fact that I have come to find what is more important in life than items of physical being. 

So, I guess I have to say thank you. For your Facebook posts, your loud exclamations in Tim's and Ronald's, and your non-four-part-harmony singing. (And you call yourselves Mennonites.)

My birthday is no longer about me feeling special for turning another year older. It is now about me feeling special for the opportunity to have so many of you wonderful people surrounding me with your love. You have no idea how much I thank God for all of your pieces that make the puzzle that is my life. 

Stay golden,

t-bear