Birthdays were the worst days…just kidding, birthdays were always the best days.
Growing up, I knew I’d have at least one more present after Christmas. I always liked having my birthday on the second day of the year. It always felt like I was starting the year off on a positive note.
As a kid, I used to love going ice skating for my birthday. We’d go to the indoor skating rink and skate all day, taking breaks to play on the air hockey table and drink hot cocoa. That’s when I knew I was a little different. We’d be the only Black people at the skating rink. I used to love inviting my friends and watching them struggle to ice skate for the first time. I’ve always loved thinking outside the box and trying new experiences.
Birthdays are still the best days. My wife makes me feel so special every year. There was a period when I’d tell myself that birthdays were just another day, but once I started dating my wife, she changed my mind. We all deserve a day to be celebrated.
This birthday is even more special because it’s my first one spent with my daughter. I write this blog as I walk in the park with her, and just seeing her subtle smiles at me makes this day even better.
I used to not want to get old, or not say how old I am, but now I’m grateful for every year. I’m now 31 years old. I’m now at the age my mom, aunts, and uncles were when I was a kid. It gives me a new look and understanding of them during those years. They weren’t as old as I thought, lol.
I appreciate this birthday and the ones that come after this. I’ll appreciate every birthday I’m blessed with. They say the more you have, the longer you live.