Today, on my 64th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the
beauty in the simplicity of life. As we get older, birthdays are often
associated with grand celebrations and elaborate plans, which can sometimes
overshadow the essence of what they truly signify – another year of life,
experiences, and growth. This year, I've decided to embrace a quieter, simpler
way to mark this special day, focusing on what truly matters to me.
The idea of a simple day might sound unexciting to some, but for me, it's a source of enormous joy and happiness. The hustle and bustle of daily life, with its never-ending demands and pressures, often leaves little room for stillness and peace. Today, I am stepping away from all that. No rushing, no schedules, just a day lived at my own pace.
There is an underrated beauty in simple days – they allow us
to appreciate the small things in life that we often overlook. A quiet morning,
the comfort of a favorite book, or the simple act of being present in the
moment – along with some calls from family and friends. These are the things
that today will be for me.
Today, I will also celebrate my siblings, Elaine (Cookie),
Vanessa (Van), and Ronnie, who passed away while still in their prime. I will
honor them by remembering the great times we had. Memories of Ronnie making us
all laugh during meals at the kitchen table, his strong sense of family, and his
protective nature over all of us. Cookie, the sweetest person I ever knew, to
whom everyone she met became her cousin. She would say my name in a sing-song
voice that lasted a note too long, but I loved it. She loved to take our kids
out to Coney Island, fishing, and crabbing. My sister Van thought I was the
smartest person in the world and loved baseball, a good card game, and Chinese
food. When it was time to clean the kitchen, she always yelled, “I’m sweeping.”
That meant Cookie and I would get stuck with washing, drying, and putting away
the dishes. Come to think of it, I hardly ever got to sweep. I miss them so
much!
As I celebrate my 64th birthday, my heart is filled with
gratitude. I am grateful for the years I've had, the people who've enriched my
life, and the experiences that have shaped who I am today. Looking ahead, I am
excited about what the future holds and am ready to embrace whatever comes with
an open heart and a peaceful mind.
Happy Birthday to me!
