When you reach the ripe old age of eighty years, nothing seems to impress you when it comes to birthday celebrations. Not until you experience what I recently enjoyed.
It began with the usual birthday wishes on the net, in the mail and along the street. My wonderful wife blessed me with new limbs for my re-curved bow, a Bonsai planting kit and a very cozy travel blanket; all very thoughtful gifts, and greatly appreciated. But what came next was the “perfect high note at the end of a cadenza”!
That evening I was treated to a fantastic meal shared by our entire family at a local restaurant. As you can see from the photo, everyone was there, and we all enjoyed a delicious meal together. To say we dominated the eating area with our laughter and celebrating would be an understatement. It’s not easy to blend in with others when, not one but two birthday cakes began to be shared by our flock.
After the singing and candle extinguishing traditions, your humble servant was presented with two large and very weight conscious packages. Upon releasing them from their cardboard restraints, I was surprised to find that I was the new owner of a pair of powered, studio speakers.
As much as I looked forward to hooking up the new additions to my studio, I realized something much more profound than this wonderful birthday gift; the unity, love and success of these loved ones gathered around me.
As I eyed each person at our table, I realized how blessed this family has been. Each has been a success in their own rite, and each has been an important part of this small circle of respect and companionship. As our world continues to disrespect laws, suffer and die due to the Wuhan virus and continue to moving away from our Creator, at this place and at this time, we can enjoy precious time spent with our loved ones.
It was said that evening, “an eightieth birthday day is a special occasion” to which I responded, “what’s special about it”? I didn’t realize that this birthday was truly a very special birthday. It was without doubt, the very best birthday of my life.
