Birthdays have always felt important to me. I love celebrating life’s milestones – birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, promotions, retirements and even housewarmings. Whenever something special happens in someone’s life, I believe it deserves to be recognized. Whether the celebration is big or small or none at all, in person or from afar, taking time to recognize and honor someone matters.
Birthdays Bring Joy To Some, Sadness To Others
A birthday is more than a date on the calendar. It is a yearly reminder that time has passed, and that a person has made it through another year of joy, challenges, changes or growth. Birthdays give us a reason to pause and say, “I’m glad you’re here.” That simple message can mean more than any gift.
It’s important to recognize that not everyone feels the same way about birthdays as you may. Some of us count down the days with anticipation and excitement. Will there be a party, cake, cards, phone calls and messages? Others would rather let the day pass quietly. For some, birthdays bring reminders about aging, loss, distance from loved ones or dreams that did not come true. That is why birthdays can bring joy to one person and melancholy to another.
There Is No Right Way To Do Birthdays
That is the beauty of birthdays and other milestones in life: there is no single right way to mark them. One person may want a grand party filled with liveliness and laughter. Another may prefer lunch with a friend, a playground date with a grandchild, a phone call from a sibling or no fuss at all. The point is not to force a celebration into a certain shape. The point is to recognize the person you are celebrating in a way that fits who they are and what they are experiencing in life at that point.
A meaningful birthday acknowledgement does not have to be elaborate. A thoughtful note, a phone call or voicemail, a favorite meal or dessert, flowers or balloons at the door, or a sincere text can brighten someone’s day. Something that says, “I remembered” can make a person feel seen and loved. Always, it is the genuine thought behind the gesture – not the price or the size of it – that lingers longest.
Families and friends are often spread out, and that can make birthdays look different than they once did. Still, distance does not prevent celebration. A zoom call, a song left on voicemail or a mailed package of fun photos can bridge the miles. Love does not disappear just because people live in different places. In many ways, making the effort from afar says even more.
Every Person Deserves To Be Acknowledged On Their Birthday
So, when it comes to birthdays – love ‘em or leave ‘em – my choice is clear. I will always lean toward celebration. Not because every birthday needs a party, but because every person deserves to be acknowledged. Another year of life is worth honoring. And another opportunity to remind someone they matter is never something I want to miss.
BTW, my birthday is in 41 days and I’m pretty excited!
Ellen Beans
I served as a Director at Bryan Health for 40 years. Pat served as the Chief Financial Officer for NRC Health for many years. He now serves as the Manager for Amandla, LLC.
We have two sons, Winston and Beau. Winston is married to Emily, and they have a daughter, Sophia, 5 years old. Beau is self-employed and works diligently to assure the success of his company. He also carries the title of Best Uncle Ever!
As the author of the Grandparent blog, I’ll be writing about the challenges and rewards of retirement. I’ll focus on the roles I have taken on in life – spouse, parent, In-law, grandparent, colleague and friend, and how they have changed over the years. This is the plan for the blog, but as we all know, plans can change!
