JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

For our family, January has an abundance of birthdays. My daughter's two brothers-in-law, Adolph, my son-in-law, my niece, mine and even the Duchess of Cambridge-Kate! Birthdays always mark a number in our lives. Some are more significant than others. When you can be left alone without a babysitter, drive, stay out past midnight, drink, go on a vacation without your parents, get married, have a baby or retire. Some people want to stay 29 forever, but as their children age up it to 39! Numbers like being 10- no longer a single digit, 21, 25 or my- turning 30! 30 is huge because it officially means you are still young but can not make excuses for not growing up anymore. 40 was a hard one for me, yet 50 meant very little! So sometimes as we go higher, there is a joy of still being here. 65- many people retire. 75- we gave a big party for my mother-in-law on that birthday. My Dad reached 90 and is still going strong! One sister-in-law celebrated her mother's 100th a year ago. There is always some kind of celebration- small dinner, big party or at least a little cake! For children it is always a moment to be the centre of attention! What is it about blowing out the candles and making a wish? No matter how old, we always secretively make a wish! Doesn't hurt, does it? So what will my wish be this year? Well I can't tell you or it won't come true! Happy Birthday! It must be someone's birthday today somewhere! So enjoy!