By Ricinda Perry
I’m so blessed.
The past couple of months have brought about a number of celebrations in our home … Mother’s Day, my birthday, our anniversary and Father’s Day. What stood out the most to me was the genuine outpouring of love from my daughter and husband. Stephen set the tone for a very successful set of holidays celebrating me. I wanted to share with you memories we created for my birthday this year.
I awakened to a sunny day (of course it was hot and humid because that is Florida this time of the year). Just as I opened my eyes, Stephen was grinning and wished me “Happy Birthday.” He was first. You see in my family, birthdays are a BIG deal. From the time I was a kid, it was a rush to see who was the first to yell out, “Happy Birthday!” We also celebrated Birthday Eve and Birthday Linger … both of which have grown over the years to Eve Before Birthday Eve and long drawn out birthday lingers. During our birthdays my mom and dad would give us the princess pass meaning our siblings could not fight with us, there were no chores and the day was all about the birthday girl. As adults this tradition continues on. Though we all live a plane ride away from each other, we all rush to be the first to call, first to text, first to post on Facebook pages … you get the picture. Well, this birthday Stephen successfully gave me the princess pass with both he and Victoria making the day all about me.
I walked out into the hallway to be greeted by my bouncy three year old who excitedly sang happy birthday the first of many times throughout the day. Next, my husband and daughter ran back to the bedroom for my gift. Let me stop here and share the most meaningful moment to me.
The day before my birthday, Stephen took my daughter to school. She is finished at noon, and just as I was ready to leave and pick her up, my husband called to let me know I could take it easy (birthday eve day) as he was picking her up to go shopping. The two of them had a daddy daughter date at the mall. As soon as Victoria came home that day, she excitedly recounted her time with Stephen minus a big secret that she could not share with me. To see this bonding moment and special memory the two of them created together touched me. Victoria continued to gush about the date throughout the week.
Little feet ran into the living room where I opened the gifts they picked out, but what they did not know was the bigger gift in that bag … the memory of a dad and daughter sharing and creating memories together. I sat misty-eyed as Victoria told me every detail about the choices she and her dad made while picking out the presents for me. As I glanced up at my husband, I saw pride in his eyes. The rest of the day was a blur of fun and sweet memories while I observed a father encouraging his daughter to honor and cherish her mom on this day. What a gift that kept giving! My husband and daughter set out to pick a gift out for me. In turn, they got a treasured gift of fun memories at the mall, I got a blessing out of their memory-making experience, and then the gift itself blessed me.
I cannot encourage spouses and loved ones to genuinely care for the birthday boy or girl in your house. If you have a child, encourage them to edify and honor your loved one on that day. The material gift doesn’t have to be big or perfect if given with a cute story or touching memory made in the process because it is the sentiment and stories that far outweigh the package. My birthday brought my daughter and husband together. That was the best gift.
Copyright © 2013, Foundation Restoration. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No reproduction allowed without written permission from Foundation Restoration and/or the author.
How very delightful, to have experienced such a wonderful birthday and for sharing it with us, your readers. One can so easily slip into the ruts of life and forget the joys in celebrating birthdays and such. Your mother is such a tremendous lady to have instilled the value of celebrating her children, and now you and your husband have passed
it along…that touches my heart. Thank you for sharing, Ricinda!
…for in celebrating every occasion as an opportunity to bless her children, it returns multiplied times to the mother who has given so selflessly. You have learned that well from your dear Mom, dear Mom, Ricinda.
Ricinda, that was a gift to each of your readers as well. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us to follow along. God Bless you for writing these articles as I can only imagine just how busy you are with everything else in your life.