July 4th was a ‘big deal’ day in the USA earlier this week when our country celebrated another birthday as an independent nation. With parades, picnics, backyard cookouts and traditional evening fireworks, Americans paid tribute to our homeland, a really ‘big deal’.
Birthdays are like that, aren’t they. To each of us, a birthday is a very ‘big deal’.
In early May, the streets were empty as I drove to a local Burger King restaurant for their $0.89 pancake special. It was a Sunday, my birthday, and the early rising sun was like a giant candle on an over sized cake, as I imagined it. This was my ‘big deal’ day.
Do you think of birthdays as ‘big deals’? Birthdays, like anniversaries, are rare, hence, ‘big deals’. And the longer you’re around, the bigger the deal. For me, birthdays are really big deals, I’ve been around a while. Of course, it’s a bigger deal for my older sister and I remind her of that every year, it’s what little brothers do.
Certain occasions are meant to be celebrated with gusto, such as birthdays and anniversaries. They’re high points in our personal timelines, reminding us of those significant accomplishments of making something last, a rare feat today.
Some among us like to keep these days private, quiet affairs. Balderdash, I say! Announce it to anyone and everyone. Accept the kudos and applause, you’ve earned it. Revel in the handshakes and pats on the back. Smile broadly when someone ‘lies’ and tells you that you can’t be ‘that’ old, or that your spouse ‘robbed the cradle’. Consider those compliments as gifts that help make your day the ‘big deal’ it should be.
On your birthday, announce proudly that you’ve moved the bar a bit higher, like an athlete achieving a personal best. I’m almost two months along to a new ‘PB’, and I’ll let my world know when it happens. Everything that is good that day will be in my honor because it’s my birthday, and that’s a ‘big deal’. That’s how I see it. I hope you feel the same about your birthday!
Incidentally, Starbucks thinks my birthday was a big deal, they gave me a free coffee!
Steve
srbottch.com (July 2017)
S'amusing 
Yes, birthdays are to be celebrated whatever age we are! 😄
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Without a doubt, Meg. That’s our day to be the center of attention, even if in our own minds. 😉
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Speaking about age and birthday..
I do know “old people”40 years old
And “young people”being 86 years old.
My uncle is one of those thank you for your wise advice…young man
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Age is a number but attitude is a behavior. I chose to be ‘forever young’.
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Of course Starbucks gave you a free coffee! They’re a company that actually cares:). Love that. And I am amazed to know little bros still torment no matter how old–but so happy I have no little bro to make that a reality for me:). Happy belated!
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We love Starbucks on the Clover machine. Tormenting older sisters was Chapter 1 in ‘The Book of Little Bros’ which I memorized. You missed a big chunk of Life not having a little bro. We’re wonderful and get better with age…😜
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I had widowed aunt who remarried at age 96 to a fellow 93. We accused her of “Robbing the walker.”
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I’m still laughing and definitely will share that with friends…if I had any 😂!
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Well, this was a good one. You’ve found your writing skills again and I really like this one. I must admit that I felt #75 was a really big deal and felt really special with the whole crew around me helping me celebrate. Birthdays are very special, aren’t they. Gary’s 76th is next Tuesday. Our 14 year old Adie has been with us this week so she and I baked granddaddy his favorite cake, German Sweet Chocolate with the real homemade coconut pecan frosting as an early surprise. Mercy, me it was good and he really enjoyed it. He really liked your blog, too. Keep up the blogging. You haven’t lost your touch. Pleasant dreams…..
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It sure helps to have big sisters when it comes to getting nice comments. 76 for Gary, wowsers! It seems like only yesterday when we ‘firecrackered’ Mr. Gibson’s driveway…😂
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I read this on the 9 th of July . It is a special day for me as it is my Grandson’s 16 th Birthday!
I will show him your story later when I see him !
It only seems a short while since he first came into the world , and now he is pld enough to get married.
Loked this story very much , Steve snd look forward to the next one !
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Anne, 16 becomes 30, the 60 etc in no time, it seems to us Seniors. He has lots of ‘big deal’ days ahead. Give him my best. 🎂
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I think you are right, Steve, birthdays should be a big deal. They only come once a year. Of course, if you are an Alice in Wonderland fan, there are 364 unbirthdays in a year.
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Thanks, Steve.
I have always felt the same. It is a Big Deal!
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Steve, well said. You’ve helped me realize the importance of making your birthday a big deal. High points in our personal timelines. Thank you for that and I hope you had a great birthday! I’m guessing you made the most of it.
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Thanks, Ben. They really are big deals. And when a few former associates drop in with a well wishes note, it just lifts my spirits sky high. I’m sure you feel the same. Goodnight for now, Ben. Have a great week.
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