Friday, May 28, 2010

Birthdays

Yesterday was my birthday. It was an ordinary day. I took care of our children, cooked, cleaned and had the usual day. There was no party, no balloons, no hoopla. Yet, I felt blessed. Our children drew me little pictures of love; they "wrapped" up their favorite things and gave them to me. They picked clover and daisies from our yard and I have those in cups in our home. They sang the birthday song to me before they went off to sleep last night. Ben's angelic voice ringing out the loudest and in tune too. I opened the gifts from the gals at our ladies Bible study group and from my in-loves and my brother and sister-in-love (they live in California). They gave me the most lovely, crystal and silver necklace, bracelet and earring set. It looks Edwardian. I will feel like a princess when I wear them. I felt very spoiled. One of the gifts is from Rhonda (we co-lead together). I know she gave me a gift she had purchased for herself! It is a beautiful, hand-crafted, lined and covered box. There are mother-of-pearl flower buttons on the top and the fabric is a delicate cream silk. It is lovely. What touches me the most is the generosity of my friends and family. They understand that we can't really pamper ourselves right now (we're in our 10th month of unemployment) and so they make sure we receive these little tokens of love every once in a while.  I had so many birthday greetings on my facebook page from family, childhood friends and friends we've made along the way from California to Massachusetts. Birthdays seem to matter when we are young. We want the party, cake and gifts. Then we reach the age where birthdays don't matter as much. A well written note is special and saved to read again and again when we need to be reminded that we are loved. Then, when we're really old, the celebration starts again. Others celebrate the fact that we are still alive and kicking :)

I am now 44. I was born in Southern California to Donal and Barbara Howell. I am their fifth and last child. I was a surprise and hopefully a gift too.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! again! my sweet,dear sister! Hope you got my card on time.
The mail was really, really, slow getting HERE today...5:30 P.M. It was crazy! So, with that in mind, I hope you got your card from me, at least today??? Oh, well, if not, to have birthday cards 'trickle' over a few days is fun. Todd did graduate last night from C.O.S. and he is now on the coast for the weekend. I will email you later.I miss you all!
Lots of love, (the way Grandma Jackson used to sign all of her cards to us!)
your sis, Trese

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rebecca! I'm so happy to meet you and that you and my DH share the same birthday! Happy Belated Birthday to you! My SIL also shares your special day. :-)

It sounds like you had an absolutely lovely day, and I think the gifts from children truly are the most special. I cherish all of my notes from my godchildren because they are so sweet. You sound like a girl who has her priorities in order! :-)

I pray blessings abounding for you in the year to come. I look forward to blogging with you! :-)

XO,

Sheila :-)

t howell said...

That you were a gift is an understatement, dear sister.

mycuriousteaparty said...

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Rebecca
Happy Birthday to you too.

We are just two days and a few years apart.. almost twins.. he! he!