Today is the start of a new month. But not just any month. My birthday month.
I can’t recall when I made the grand leap from having a birthday to a birthday month, but I always have believed that everyone’s birthday, not just my own, is special and should be celebrated fully. So, while proclaiming August as my birthday month is a running joke, I am serious when it comes to making the most of the month I was born, especially now.
At first, in light of what is going on in the world, I considered allowing August to come and go with very little fanfare and without special acknowledgement. Then, I decided that now is the best time to seek out ways to celebrate and appreciate this month. So, onward I go.
That’s not to say that I am entering this month without a care in the world, as I am bringing with me some old and new issues that occupy space in my mind and heart. Globally, we continue to cope with the COVID-19 crisis and the neverending changes that it continues to bring. Locally, as in other communities, we still are grappling with social injustice and civil unrest, with no easy answers or resolutions. Then, there are things on a more personal level.
The first of August was forever changed five years ago, when my friend took her own life. It still feels surreal, and it always will. On my actual birthday, my oldest daughter will begin her sophomore year of college, and my youngest daughter will begin her senior year of high school. In a year of COVID-19, I now fear for their physical health and well-being, as they re-enter the hybrid learning environment of in person and online instruction. There remains so much uncertainty, and I just want to keep them in a protective bubble under my watchful eye.
While 2020 has been the ultimate party foul, and I have considered throwing in the towel on the rest of the year, I decided that what better month than my birthday month to turn it around and find reasons to celebrate both big and small.
I have been gifted with another year that is full of possibilities and opportunities.
My daughters are able to resume their academic journey at the respective schools that they love with their friends.
My family and I are physically and emotionally well.
I continue to fall in love more and more every day with my extraordinary boyfriend and enjoy our current adventures and planning future ones together.
The family of four mourning doves, that I thought flew the coop yesterday, returned to their nest outside my living room window this morning. I have loved watching this duo become a quartet, so, I was excited to welcome them back, even briefly.
These are just some of the things that are beginning my birthday month on a positive note. This year’s far from over, and my birthday month is just beginning. So, let’s see what you’ve got, August, and I promise to give it all I’ve got.
That’s another story. . .
Categories: That's Another Story
That's Another Story 
Leave a Reply