What Do I Want for My Birthday?

I'm turning 41 this week, as is my amazing twin sister, Kathy (shout out!).  Birthdays are funny things.  Some years they feel so important and you feel the urgency for something special, whether it's a celebration, a meaningful gift or a surprise.  Others years are low-key and you are happy to let it slide by, sometimes because stress overwhelms the day, or better yet, you are happy and content and have all you need.

When we were first married and had little money, and perhaps even less experience of how to please each other, my husband used to ask, "What would you rather have, a gift of a memory"?  I think this was something he learned in his family.  For years I thought this was really just a cop out, a way to avoid the effort of learning what would bless the other person - me!  This feeling warred with the reasonable side of me, the side that knew a memory could be lasting and beautiful.  I wanted my husband to make the effort to find a special way of showing he knew me and how to bless me.  It was hilarious our first Christmas when I received a vacuume and a tweety bird t-shirt!  I seriously wasn't sure how to take that, but I did need the vacuume and I did know he was trying.  I wore that t-shirt for years (maybe for work parties, but I did wear it).  :)  My point is, we place a lot of expectations upon ourselves and others to show their love and/or affections through those special moments and gift-giving.  These things are important and can be real highlights, but after 18 years of marriage, it is the daily moments that make the most impact.  It's the unexpected dinner alone with my hubby where we can talk, the laughs shared at bedtime, the quiet moments when we can read each others thoughts.  Life is rich every day, every day is a gift.  Let's make the most of it, celebrainge the relationships we have every day.  Happy life everybody!  Enjoy!