Silver birthday
For most of my life, I saw my birthday as like any ordinary day, only with people greeting me for growing a year older. Celebrating was never part of my agenda. In fact, a look back at all my previous journals would show that I was busy, always busy, not only on the day of my birth but also on the week, or the month, on which it falls.
This year, though, was different for me. I even took a black pen — I use a green pen for work-related entries, a red one for personal agenda, and a black one exclusively for important notes — and wrote on my 2018 planner, in the space alloted for January 14, the following words: “CMS’ 25th Birthday. (Please celebrate.)” I could have used a red pen, but I deliberately used the black one to remind me that this is non-negotiable.
I consider this a special year because it’s my silver birthday. What makes it more memorable is that I have my mother with me. She is in the country on the day of my birth for the first time since she left us to work in Israel in 2001. I was excited. I willingly forewent my work deadlines just so I could be with her.
Even months before my birthday, I was already thinking about bringing her to the beach, or celebrating up north in Baguio or Sagada. She didn’t agree with my initial plans, and other things got in the way, eventually. I thought I could instead join a dharma talk on the first Day of Mindfulness this year at Plum Village Philippines, but I had responsibilities. So we were left with a hearty dinner in my place on the eve of my birthday. It was special, nonetheless, because I was with the two people I cherish dearly: my mom and Nigel.
^ Nigel prepared all the food.
However, life sometimes just gets in the way. Only a few moments after dinner, we were in a heated argument, and I swear, I still am frustrated and mad about what had happened until now, as I write this.
What a major spoiler to what could have been a joyous occasion. Happy birthday, self. Perhaps, we’re better off with the status quo. Maybe we should stop trying to make January 14 a special day. •
Update: All’s well that ends well. We patched things up and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant on the day of my birthday.
This year, though, was different for me. I even took a black pen — I use a green pen for work-related entries, a red one for personal agenda, and a black one exclusively for important notes — and wrote on my 2018 planner, in the space alloted for January 14, the following words: “CMS’ 25th Birthday. (Please celebrate.)” I could have used a red pen, but I deliberately used the black one to remind me that this is non-negotiable.
I consider this a special year because it’s my silver birthday. What makes it more memorable is that I have my mother with me. She is in the country on the day of my birth for the first time since she left us to work in Israel in 2001. I was excited. I willingly forewent my work deadlines just so I could be with her.
Even months before my birthday, I was already thinking about bringing her to the beach, or celebrating up north in Baguio or Sagada. She didn’t agree with my initial plans, and other things got in the way, eventually. I thought I could instead join a dharma talk on the first Day of Mindfulness this year at Plum Village Philippines, but I had responsibilities. So we were left with a hearty dinner in my place on the eve of my birthday. It was special, nonetheless, because I was with the two people I cherish dearly: my mom and Nigel.
^ Nigel prepared all the food.
However, life sometimes just gets in the way. Only a few moments after dinner, we were in a heated argument, and I swear, I still am frustrated and mad about what had happened until now, as I write this.
What a major spoiler to what could have been a joyous occasion. Happy birthday, self. Perhaps, we’re better off with the status quo. Maybe we should stop trying to make January 14 a special day. •
Update: All’s well that ends well. We patched things up and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant on the day of my birthday.
