Tomorrow is my birthday.
Thirty-nine years ago my mother was in the throes of labor. She had spent nine months growing my little six pound body (although it takes me only nine WEEKS to grow six pounds on my own body). My father had surely done all that he could to make that time more comfortable. And I did what? I loafed around, ate, slept and pottied my drawers.
And yet tomorrow we celebrate… me?
Turns out that bad spirits are inclined to visit people on the anniversary of their birth. People would come visit the birthday person to scare off the bad spirits. The Christians were not inclined to celebrate birthdays because of these pagan roots. Today it seems we celebrate the life of the birthday person.
Of course, I know not what other day we might choose to celebrate the life of an individual. Perhaps the six-month mark might be appropriate. We could call it a “Life-day.” Husband and I were excited when Daughter achieved six months of life. We were impressed that we had not killed her.
My mother was born on January 8 (Elvis‘s birthday, she is quick to add). Her “life-day” is today, July 8. She was preparing for my life on her life-day. Weird.
Every July 9, for as far as I can remember, I have called her and asked her to tell me the story of my birth. It is somewhat of a tradition, and my way of celebrating her efforts.
On your birthday, contact your parents and find out what they were going through those nine months. Ask them the story of that miraculous day – the day that you get to celebrate being you. Consider celebrating them a little.
Stay Curious!
– Idearella
I have to say that i’m incredibly touched by this and ashamed that i have absolutely no idea of the circumstances that surrounded my birth. I have no idea what my Mother endured with me for 9 months (if i was in there that long) or what she went through to birth me. I do know that she refused drugs being the hippy that she was, but that’s really it.
Wow!
I think next year, i’ll be less self-absorbed on my birthday and call my Mother to ask her what it was like to have me, her first child.
First children are the prizes of the parents. Enjoy your status while you connect with your mom and celebrate hers.
What a great idea! I too do not know the story of my birth! I know I was the 4th child in quick succession so my mom was probably tired of having babies. I was the first girl so my parents were thrilled about that. And this was before you knew that information ahead of time, so it was especially exciting for them.
So few surprises in life and yet work to remove the ones we have left. Nice that you were the beautiful princess surprise to your folks!
Funny you should celebrate your birth through your “maternal unit” as you have several times referred to me! I also celebrated having YOU before you were born. I was able to quit working half way through your life (at 4 1/2 mo. gestation) and really have a vacation. I figured it was the last time I would actually HAVE a vacation…and you know, I was right! I loafed around, ate pretty much what I wanted and visited my friend Doreen and had tea and butter cookies. Was active in the Ladies Group at church. Didn’t do much else as I recall. I never regret that time when I just rested. I somehow knew it was going to have to last me awhile.
However, when you did finally arrive, I forgot all about resting and just enjoyed your little round face. You were sooo cute. I just never knew it was gonna be so much fun having you around. We went shopping and running around in my little VW Beetle, no car seat, just a little plastic carrier sat sideways in the front of the car next to me. I guess I should have celebrated not killing YOU in those early days for lack of proper child safety restraints! Oh, that’s what Mom’s arm was for. The left one for driving and the right one to keep baby safe.
How DID we all survive? Maybe that’s why we celebrate birthdays, it’s a backdoor way of celebrating that we survived living with our parents one more year!
Just a thought…love and huuugggs,
MaryMoses