My Birthday

  The other night we watched the fireworks celebrating Canada Day, although I always thought they were for my birthday, only a day late.  As a kid having my birthday the day before Canada's was the coolest thing.  As an adult, late teens, I realized just how cool it was as my birthday celebration was extended an extra day and I got fireworks to finish things off.
  On Thursday we celebrated my birthday in fine form as I was allowed to lie with my daughter at 2am until she fell asleep, and upon return to my bed I discovered my oldest boy spread out in my spot on the bed.  This left one option, the couch.  From there I was woke up by four kids giving me hugs and kisses and birthday wishes.  After completing my birthday chores, (dishes, laundry, cutting the grass, trimming the trees and feeding the kids), I finally sat in the backyard with a birthday beverage, water, only to be bombarded by the rest of the family.  In fairness, they did come bearing gifts.  I loved my gifts, at least the ones I kept, and the day was great, even though any day with family is great. 

  ¨Happy birthday to you, would you like a cold brew, happy birthday dear dad, there`s many more for you¨.  Now this is a birthday song that could sound good no matter who is singing.  After all a birthday celebrates getting older and yet there comes a time when we don`t want to celebrate getting older.  I tried, ¨Happy birthday to you, you`re held together with glue, happy birthday dear ______, I`ve got some duct tape for you¨.  This didn`t go over so well, although there are days where it fits how I feel.

  I am happy to celebrate my birthday because my kids enjoy the celebration, but in truth it is their birthdays that matter to me.  It is also their birthdays that I measure my years by, so why keep track of my own.  No matter, I will continue to celebrate my 39 birthday until I have to move to my 49 birthday, which is years away no matter what my wife says.  And speaking of my wife, thanks for the special night, movie, drinks and your snoring on the couch.  It was almost a perfect night, if I had been able to sleep as well.