“Happy Birth Week!”

 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…” 

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” *

Aging…it is something that most of us achieve without much effort, while reversing the process takes much time and money! Once after hearing me make a negative comment on aging, a young woman piped up and said, “Oh I can hardly wait until my hair turns gray. The Bible says it will be my ‘crown of splendor!’”

 That was the first time I had ever heard anyone say that she actually wanted to turn gray! A crown of splendor indeed! Perhaps in the above proverb King Solomon was inferring that a long life is a special blessing from God and encouraging his own children to walk in the paths of righteousness.

A long life is something that I have come to appreciate greatly especially during the past week, one that Al dubbed my “birth week.” He thought that it should be celebrated more than one day! Well, it did begin ahead of time, with a lovely prayer shawl knit by my sister-in-law Ann, and many cards from special friends and family members.

On the afternoon of my birthday, our Spanish class for seniors had planned to have a small party for the Día de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.”  Now that was sobering, especially on my birthday!

A few days ahead of time, I found a recipe for Pan de Muerto to take to the party, a sweet bread with anise and orange zest for a unique flavor. However, instead of the traditional skull and crossbones on top of the round loaf, there was a cross—a symbol of death, but also of the hope we have of eternal life through Christ.

Al and I had a more uplifting celebration that evening by going out for dinner. For dessert we shared Pear-Berry Crisp ala mode, topped off with a birthday candle! The waitress had been clued in! Once home, there were more contacts from family and friends…many wanting to know how it felt to be “29” again!

The next day, Halloween, involved greeting neighborhood children with candy. This year, one bag didn’t go far. I had to ration it out, with the last piece going to Al!  We were also surprised with a text from my sister in CA—a new baby born on Halloween, our first great, great nephew! Another beautiful birthday gift!

 On Friday we met our friends Dick, Molly, Frank and Diane for lunch. Dick and Molly ushered me to a chair with a large cupcake balloon tied to it! As we were leaving the restaurant, a friendly employee joked about seeing our ID before giving us a senior discount!

I mentioned that all he had to do was look at our gray heads, and he responded by pointing to his long hair. “All of the men in my family go bald,” he said. “So, I’m enjoying it while I can!”

After a long talk with my friend, JoAnn Payne on the phone that afternoon, my birth week was finally over. It was time to focus on others, with an “All Saints Day” service on Sunday.

Forty-two names of members who had passed away during the past year were read out- loud individually as their pictures appeared on a large screen. Then a candle was lit in his or her memory and a handbell rung by one of the choir members.

We sat with our son-in-law Chris and grandson Nate, as we remembered our daughter Shanda who went home to be with the Lord almost a year ago.  It was very touching, especially when Shanda’s name was read off and a slide of her playing the viola came up on the screen. 

The service ended with communion, another time of remembering…this time of Jesus’ death on the cross. I felt connected to those who have gone on before me, people who were strong in their faith and love of the Lord as well as to those partaking of the bread and cup together that morning.

More special cards arrived in Monday’s mail and a package from my sister in California on Tuesday. How did Al know it would be a birth week instead of a birthday? It’s all behind me now, but the memories will remain for a long, long time. My cup overflows!

* Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV, Proverbs 16:31 NIV