Birthdays bring about the strangest traditions:
1. The song. The song that forces every restaurant into the song writing business only to find out they need to stick with their day job. The song that flushes the cheeks of serenaded. The song that is sung too slowly at every party so that even if you start on key you won’t end there.
2. The candles. There reaches a time when division needs to factor in. One candle for every year will quickly lead to a fire extinguisher exhibition if you aren’t careful.
3. Blowing out the candles. To get back at the people singing the song, the birthday boy/girl gets the best revenge. The birthday person is encouraged to blow out the candles. Do you know what happens when someone “blows,” they spit. Yes, the birthday girl spits all over the cake.
4. The cake. The sugar you can smell. Your mouth waters at the site of the decorated masterpiece. It is the perfect combination of gluten, sugar and Crisco. Yummy!
5. The present. The stress. What to buy, need the perfect card, can you just sign or do you need to add something more?
Today is my birthday. I have children, so I know I will hear the song. They are my children, so no matter how slow they sing, they will be in tune. We will have candles and the division is none of your business. I’ll spit all over the cake, yet I won’t get any more than my fair share. I’m sure I’ll get some presents. I don’t need anything, but my amazing husband will make sure I have something with a card that brings tears to my eyes.
One of the greatest gifts, YOU! Thank you for being so supportive of my writing, my speaking and me. I appreciate you more than you know. Every like and share propel me to seek God’s wisdom for the next post. This is a great birthday! I’ll save you a piece of cake, if you like gluten, sugar & Crisco with a little spit.
Ali Bragdon 