Photo of Shem-shem Pablo
By Buena Laoang
As an adult, I celebrated birthdays with a simple treat to myself- maybe a new haircut, a new shoe, a new movie, or a new food or snack out in the market. I began to take my birthdays as an event to reconnect with myself.
I still share it with other people, but only with whom I have special attachments to. I still called for celebrations, but usually it is associated with achievements or milestones in life.
My 18th birthday was having my college love as my special guest, while my 21st I held as a thanksgiving occasion for knowing God more.
How do you remember birthdays during your younger years?
When I got employed, the busy workdays would, at times, not even permit the usual celebrated day. If a leave from work may be filed, I’d be waiting if any visitor can come- they might be too busy themselves. Friends’ greetings still come, but no longer in the crisp scent and pages of cards or stationery, but thru texts (if at all it crosses their mind). Treats to myself began according to budget left, because at that time I had more “adult responsibilities” like becoming the breadwinner, especially when my mother acquired diabetes.
The way I would have my birthday changed over time.
Do you remember shifts or changes in the way you celebrate birthdays?
Are there any from your childhood birthdays that you miss?
About the Author: Buenaflor Laoang-Rosete finished Creative Writing from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and an awardee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Philippines in 2001. She worked with the Tarlac College of Agriculture (a government college) as Communication Officer for eight years, and now with three kids ages 2,4,and 6, moved to becoming a full time house mom. Currently she is devoted to satisfying her husband, nurturing her kids, goes to runs and outreaches, and writes. Valuing life, she keeps her love for wisdom, photography, and immersion intact- in and out business.
I’ll be 49 next month and I still do have nice birthday celebrations. Since I met my husband I’ve spent birthdays with him. We usually go away or to one of my favorite restaurants. The week after my birthday, I have a luncheon with my girlfriends at another favorite restaurant.
One thing I loved about my childhood birthdays was spending them in Florida with my Grandmother. Her birthday was Aug. 14 and mine is Aug. 19, so we’d celebrate together — that was fantastic because I loved her so much! She was the best grandmother!
Hi Ma’am Maryanne! That’s great! Maybe my next post will let us feel more about our birthdays celebrated with our husband
Lovelovelove!
I also would like to greet you and your grandmom in advance! Surely your birth meant something to other people!
This July is my birth month so since last Wednesday, I decided to reflect on birthdays. Join me again next week and because August will be your birth month, we may have fun relating together. Thanks for reading Maryanne- and God bless you!
i love reading your site.its very heplful.i hope someday i can share my good experience too…keep it up! thank you to every author here..