Ballerina Girl

When I was a child we didn't have birthday parties like kids do now.

No one had ponies, clowns, laser tag or moon bounces.

At least in my family, birthdays were typically much more low key and were usually spent quietly at home.    

And as the youngest of four I remember having exactly one party.

It was at our favorite park in Columbiana, a small Ohio town, and all of my relatives on my mom's side were there.

Grandma Ginny, Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Norman, my parents, siblings and assorted cousins.  

It was probably the best birthday I ever had because for just one great summer day it was all about me!

My cake was adorned with ballerinas, I got to drink my own bottle of Pepsi and my single present, a Barbie dream house was truly a dream come true!   

(Yes, I was still playing with Barbies at 9!)


It's one day from my childhood that when I close my eyes I can still see and feel all of the details of that special day.


It was one of those beautiful blue sky cloudless days!


The pavilion was all ours and we spent the day swimming, playing horseshoes and pushing each other on the swings.   

And most shocking of all, my siblings were actually nice to me!  

(Although my memory is probably fuzzy on that detail!)

It was my birthday and for one day I truly felt special.   

That day was 40 years ago today.   

Today's birthday has a decidedly different feel.  

I spent much of it at the DMV renewing my driver's license in the company of my children and 200 complete strangers.

After surviving that we ventured to Chipotle for my birthday lunch.  

At which I paid.   

Followed up by ice cream through the drive through of McDonald's.

Where I paid again.  

But you know what?

I may not have ballerinas, Barbies or my family's undivided attention today, but I wouldn't trade today's celebration for anything.

My priorities have changed since I was 9.

It doesn't have to be about me anymore.

The truth is, I'm happy to be alive!   


And every day is a gift!   

Happy birthday to me!

Photo of my oldest brother, Brian and I on my birthday.  
Circa 1970!