About Those Birthdays

Today is Dave's birthday and we are leaving for another trip through our beloved Colorado Rockies, this time to the Flat Tops Wilderness. Neither of us has spent any time in this area of the state so it will all be brand new. I'm hoping we are able to catch the beautiful aspen trees at the height of their autumn loveliness. So far, we've been lucky and timed our Colorado fall vacations just about right. But an unexpected snow or windstorm can send those glorious golden leaves scurrying to the ground in a hurry, and the moment is lost.

A few weeks ago I sorted through a big wooden box of Dave's family photos, looking for a specific one that remains hidden. In the process I found many more that sparked my interest so I set them aside for scanning. Dave will most likely cringe, then laugh at these pictures from so long ago. I'm sure they will evoke certain memories for him. Since I don't share those memories, I'll tell him that what I see is a handsome young fellow who would someday become the wonderful soul I fell in love with.

Birthday celebrations in Dave's family were probably not much different than my own. My brother and I have many birthday pictures from our childhood just like these. I also seem to recall that my brother had an unusual aversion to flash bulbs. We always share a big laugh whenever we stumble on a photo showing Ted with both hands over his eyes!

My parents were never extravagant yet birthdays were always fun: a special home-cooked meal, a party with neighborhood kids, a favorite birthday cake with candles and, of course, presents!

Our celebrations now are likewise simple. We don't exchange gifts or bake cakes; instead we try to plan an event the other would like. My birthday is in the cold slumber of winter, so Dave may warm the occasion with symphony tickets or a fancy dinner out on the town. And since Dave's birthday lands at the start of our favorite season, we often plan a mountain getaway to celebrate.

Last weekend on a shopping trip, I suggested Dave look for some new pajamas. Later I told him those pajamas would be his birthday present. He seemed okay with that until he remembered that I promised to take him out to dinner.

"Okay, but... we're still going out to eat on my birthday, right?"

Maybe our birthdays now aren't what they used to be. Still, the little kids roaming around inside us cling to the notion that this one day really is our own personal holiday. And we do our best to oblige.