If you recognize the title of this blog and even more if you have heard of Tenneesse Ernie Ford, then you must be around my age.
I celebrated my 54th birthday yesterday. I was expecting a normal day with the occasional "Happy Birthday" my family. I work in an elementary school and teach 3 classes of third grade students. I was tired when I arrived at school yesterday morning because it is the end of a long first two weeks of school starting. I have had early morning bus duty for the entire two weeks and my body is still rebelling at having to get up so early.
From across the hallway, a longtime friend and colleague, gave me a card and cute little M&M magnets. She knows I collect M&M things. One of the new partners I teach with this year, is a woman I've actually known for a long time, but never worked with. She stapled a cute little banner outside of my door in the hallway that read, "Happy Birthday Mrs. Martin!" I thought it was very sweet and on my way to do my bus duty, I told her so. She then told me to go back to my classroom and relax that she would do my duty. Wow! I was so surprised, but I let her. How nice of her! In about 15 minutes the students were due in my classroom, but another teacher came to the door and told me I was needed in the Reading computer lab. It was strange, but I figured someone had a problem so I went. Upon arrival, the darkened room seemed odd. I opened the door and the lights came on and 69 third grade children hopped up from their places and yelled, "Surprise!"
I was certainly surprised and had to tell myself not to cry as they sang "Happy Birthday" with those kid voices. As they filed past me out the door to go to class, they proceeded to each give me a hug and say "happy birthday". What a treat!
The birthday greetings didn't stop there. All day long the banner announced my big day and teachers and staff were tapping on my hallway window and mouthing "happy birthday" to me. My teacher friend that began all of this fun, got each of our students to create a birthday card for me which they proudly presented to me as they came into my classroom. At my conference, my team all met in my friend's classroom where we had birthday cake. It was a good time.
At home my husband cooked a lovely dinner with wine. He brought home a sweet pot of miniature roses that hopfully I won't kill and can replant in the yard somewhere. Then my middle son came by with birthday greetings from he and his wife. I loved visiting with him so much, it would have been gift enough. To my surprise his wife and he gave me an iPod nano. I just love it and I'm already feeling younger for just having it. :-) A few days ago, my sweet in-laws brought over a hummingbird feeder which I hope to hang in my backyard and watch the little creatures in flight.
I also received cards both "snail" and "e" from friends. So many people just acknowledging my birth made me realize how blessed that I am. Sometimes I don't feel worth a whole lot. On my birthday, even at 54, I miss hearing Happy Birthday from my mother. But each greeting and act of kindness shown to me yesterday was God's message to me and perhaps my mom as well. Being in this world was no accident.
Thank you to everyone for reminding me that I'm someone of worth in this world. I am grateful to everyone that made this 54 year old feel loved.
