I know my birthday is coming up when people talk about Tulip Time. Talk of parades, stuffing faces with carnival food (elephant ears!), seeing friends and family marching in the parade, going on the rides, and the wonderful tulips themselves are all wonderful. Tulip Time has come and gone, and I am another year older. Yay! (?)
When I was younger, birthdays were exciting because they meant cake, presents, and celebrating with friends. I didn’t have anything to plan or worry about cleaning; all I did was show up and make a mess. As I grow older, I have realized birthdays have a different meaning. They’re not all about cake, presents, being worry free, and just showing up. Call it a quarter life crisis, but I am realizing what is important.
Some people need to have a big celebration for their birthday; many of these birthday celebrations include going out and drinking. There’s nothing wrong with this, but I don’t need an extravagant celebration. On my 21st birthday, I went to Red Robin for lunch with my mom and younger brother. Instead of having a drink, I got a big piece of chocolate cake. Before getting my cake, employees (and a few other patrons) sang “Happy Birthday”. Call me a kid at heart, and I will agree with you. I still get carded going to R movies, and am still confused why. Do I not look 18? Is that a compliment?
Each year, I realize birthdays aren’t about the material possessions I may (or may not) receive, but the thought behind them. Looking at my recent birthday celebrations, they weren’t elaborate to the outside eye. I saw Rent (my first musical!), saw Death Cab for Cutie (Luke’s favorite band!), saw Glee Live (amazing!), went to dinner, and went to Tulip Time. The thought behind these activities made these birthdays super spectacular, along with the people I spent them with: my family. Not just my family by blood, but my friends. My friends are family I choose and are just as special as my blood family. My mom, dad, and both brothers have always spent my birthday with me in some capacity. Luke has been with me on my birthday for the last 9 years. Other friends have taken part, as well, and my appreciation for them runs deep. While my party guest list may be shrinking, the amount of love from those in attendance is multiplied; this is what celebrating birthdays truly means.
One of my biggest idols is Muhammad Ali, and he said “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.” I am unable to change how old I am. Why would I want to do that anyway? I like to think I am exactly how old I am for good reason. There are days I feel older than 28, and just hope the day will somehow end sooner. There are also days I feel younger than 28, and I want those days to never end. Rather than dwell on changing my age, I will stay a kid at heart, despite my grey hairs telling me otherwise.
- Brandon -
Comments