Birthday Day

Monday was my birthday, and it started off with a fantastic breakfast prepared by my fabulous roommate Emily. She made me coffee, bacon, sausage, and blueberry pancakes in the shape of Mickey – or a bear – so we called them “bluebear” pancakes.

Throughout the day people stowed cards, flowers, and edible treats in my office.

During orchestra, my students surprised me by playing “Happy Birthday” arranged by one of the cellists! They had practiced during lunch! Then they gave me flowers and a card they had all signed. What amazing students!!!

Small Group came over, and Emily made homemade pizza. They also did a “blessing seat” for me, where they all shared encouraging words with me. I had to chuckle when a few of them said they love how my face gets red when I laugh. Emily and I also introduced them to www.homestarrunner.com and Trogdor (in Strongbad’s emails). For any of you who weren’t into pre-YouTube viral video days, Homestar is this weird internet cartoon. It’s hard to explain. Just visit the website.

Emily gave me a German children’s book. It was very appropriate for the day and me: it was about a bear who found mysterious treats outside his cave each morning (carrots); he started giving gifts back, like blueberries and chocolate, and eventually met his mysterious friend, a rabbit!

Some gifts are great because they’re fitting and meaningful. Others are fun because they give me a good laugh. On Tuesday, a packaged arrived from my brother David. He had written some intriguing instructions on the box – To open, cut only on the black lines, but don’t cut the cardboard. So I opened this mystery package and found an elaborate prank gift from David, plus some real things. Oh, David!

I’m thankful for all the people in my life who have been a part of my life, shaped me into who I am now, and loved me throughout the process. Those people made my birthday a great day!