You’ve Got Mail

I celebrated my birthday this week. Between phone calls from family and friends, email well wishes, and facebook messages from connections spanning all chapters of my life, I felt very loved. My mom made cupcakes. Jason and the kids went above and beyond with presents and special arrangements. Although every time the word birthday got mentioned Carson brought it back to him, reminding everyone that he’s going to be four! In eight short months. But today is mama’s birthday! I’d remind him. Isn’t that exciting! Why? he’d ask.

Even in this age of e-cards and wall postings I still look forward to checking the actual mailbox. This year I received two cards. The first was from a very good friend who knows me inside and out. We met the first day our freshman year of college which means this year we’ve been friends for half our lives. The second was from old family friends in Nebraska who have sent me a card each October as far back as I can remember. As I held the envelope in my hands I felt for the lump. I knew exactly what the contents were. Two sticks of Wrigley’s gum. This year it was Doublemint.

I unwrapped the silver foil and folded a piece into my mouth, sat down on the couch and read the thoughtful words written in black ink. Earlier in the week I had felt sad about this day approaching, turning a year older, feeling a year older. But as I look around at my life I realize how silly and pointless it is to lament about growing older. With each passing year my life has grown richer and more fulfilled. Plus now I receive more pampering gifts like a rejuvenating facial for mature skin at my favorite spa.

And I thought of something for my new list. This year I plan on dropping more cards in the mail.