There are some heavy-hitting birthdays coming up, not the least of which includes Martin Luther King, Jr. Next month we’ll honor two of our country’s most famous presidents, although they have to share a combined holiday.
While I’ve never celebrated with a president or a leader of King’s caliber, there are plenty of family birthdays to keep track of. I used to be able to keep up with them all. I made cards, I shopped for gifts and most importantly, I got them mailed in time. I’ve gone from mailing greetings in time to sending belated greetings to, sadly, not sending them at all.
I’m ashamed to admit I’m probably two years behind in sending birthday wishes to my nieces in Minnesota. Each year, I tell myself I’ll do better. I thought I had succeeded this year.
My mother-in-law just celebrated her 82nd birthday this week. I was so proud when we had her celebration early, knowing I’d be at work on the big day. But I was also pleased with myself because I’d remembered to buy cards for two of my nieces. Danica’s birthday, unfortunately, had come and gone right after Christmas. Hmm, missed that one. But technically, it was last year, so I’m actually ahead of the game. Greta’s is the same day as my mother-in-law’s. Sydnee won’t celebrate until April and Claire won’t have a birthday until July. I bought two belated birthday cards for Danica and Greta. I told myself I’d go right home and address them and have them in the mail first thing Monday morning.
Well, somewhere between taking down the Christmas decorations, doing the grocery shopping, putting the house back together, baking and decorating Mom’s cake and making an early birthday dinner, I completely forgot the cards. Once again, the lame aunt in Washington had to send a text message to their mom, my sister, asking her to pass along wishes for a happy day.
In an effort to make amends, I plan to clip this column out and tuck it into one of the cards I hope to get in the mail in the near future. If nothing else, I know it will make my sister laugh, as I’m still waiting for my last birthday card from her. (I seem to remember getting a voice mail wishing me a happy birthday the day after my actual birthday.) That’s it! It’s a genetic problem. I’m off the hook!
If any of you has a birthday still to come this year, and I think the odds are in my favor — Happy Birthday! Please don’t expect a card.
-Kathy Reed, edito
