Tuesday, March 20, 2012

It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to . . .

I don’t really think of myself as a creature of habit.  I’ve never been a big fan of a schedule.  But, I do appreciate traditions.  Once you do something several years in a row, it becomes a bit of a tradition – and I like that. 

For the first 32 years of my life, I shared this special day (my birthday) with my Pap.  We would often have a cake that said “Happy Birthday Heidi & Pap”.  He passed away on March 10th, 2003 – just 10 days before our birthday.  I told my mom I never wanted another birthday cake again.  It’s just doesn’t feel right somehow. 

I spent at least 15 of my adult birthdays with my best friend Sue.  As young married couples with not a lot of money to spare, our first few birthday celebrations were spent enjoying $1 Roast Beef sandwiches at Hardee’s, followed by Free Italian Ice at Rita’s (a perk of having your birthday on the first day of spring!)  We even learned how to “work the system” – we’d go through the drive-through for our first free ice, eat it, switch drivers, and go back for another one! 

One year, in particular, I remember sitting in traffic on our way to my birthday celebration in Harrisburg.  We thought we’d never get there.  Then, when we finally did, we went through the drive-through for our roast beef sandwiches, and were heading to shop.  My sandwich dropped on the floor of the car!  I burst into singing “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to!” – and Sue, being the good friend that she was, sang right along.  I think we both laughed through tears that day.

In later years, we graduated to some  better eating establishments, such as Texas Roadhouse (where she would have NEVER let them put that huge hat on me!) and T.G.I. Friday’s (where they made me stand up on my chair while they announced my birthday to the whole restaurant – and I promised to get her back on her birthday!) 

Sue left just 15 days before my 40th birthday – so I’ve spent the last 3 birthdays without her too.  Birthdays just really aren’t the same anymore. 

While it seems rather fitting that I woke up to rain this morning, I am glad that today is the first day of spring.  I love spring and the promise of new life.  In fact, the lilac bush that’s planted outside my living room window in memory of Sue has tons of buds on it.  I wonder if it will bloom this year? 

No birthday cake or roast beef for me today.  But my mom is making me supper – and she’s taking me out on Friday for a nice breakfast and shopping at the Outlets.  Sometimes we have no choice but to change our traditions.  And that’s ok. 

Do you have any special birthday traditions?

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I woke up thinking about you and your birthday today. Praying for peace and joy and an extra special day! ; )

Jodi Whisenhunt said...

My dad died 10 years ago on this day, so I'll party through tears with you :) I hope you have a happy day & get lots & lots of hugs and kisses from your kiddos!!! Happy birthday, Heidi!

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

Happy birthday! New traditions aren't easy, but I hope you'll find some joy today.

Wonder Mom said...

What beautifully written birthday thoughts, Heidi!  Have fun making new traditions today...

Proverbs 22:6 Academy said...

How bittersweet but so nice to have those memories tucked in your heart to pull out and treasure every year. I know that you will come up with some wonderful new traditions.

We have really only one birthday tradition and that is that the birthday person gets to pick what they want for dinner. I always go with something Italian (preferably real veal parmigiana) and hubby either asks for lasagna or, if the price isn't too high, lobster. Everyone else is all over the plate. :)

Have a fabulous birthday celebration making new traditions to share with your children.
(((HUGS)))
Ginny

unsure of the future said...

My mom would always make my birthday dinner of pot roast and spice cake. My last birthday I ended up making it because she wasn't well enough to do it...but it wasn't as good as when she would make it. I don't know if I'll keep trying to make it (and hope I get better at it) now that she's gone or find a new birthday tradition?

It's funny, Bridgette and I were just talking a little about this last night..although it was about my mom's birthday, which happens to be December 24th. Right now I'm not sure I could just continue to do all our Christmas Eve traditions the way we've always done them without my mom...it's just too sad. Perhaps I will feel differently by the time December rolls around?

Rebecca said...

Heidi, OH, I don't know if I want to cry or smile....my birthday, is just around the corner...my Dad is just a couple hundred miles away...my Mom...well, she's waiting in Heaven with others I love and miss dearly....
BUT< I am thankful to know you and am sending you Birthday wishes and prayers...that focus on joy!!!!

Anonymous said...

No, birthday traditions for me, but Happy Birthday to you!! Hope you have a great day!

Suzanne Jarrell said...

Thinking of you.....and miss you. I hope your birthday was good and what is left of it is even better. See ya on facebook and around.  Blessings to ya Girl!!

MapleMouseMama said...

A very thoughtful read.  Thanks for sharing your story Heidi, as I am sure it is not easy.  I hope your day and your week getting brighter as each bud pops open.  Happy Birthday to you...

Suz

MapleMouseMama said...

A very thoughtful read.  Thanks for sharing your story Heidi, as I am sure it is not easy.  I hope your day and your week getting brighter as each bud pops open.  Happy Birthday to you...

Suz

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