Happy birthday to everyone

City Square Media

City Square Media

I read or heard years ago that 90% of people thought it was important to celebrate their birthdays and those of their family and loved ones. As a self-confessed “glass is half empty” guy, I’ve probably disagreed for most of my adulthood, for the simple reason that, once you’ve passed a certain point, aging isn’t really something to celebrate. You could argue that the last BIG birthday is when you turn 21, for obvious reasons.

Over the past year, my thoughts on the subject have changed. Don’t confuse this with me getting to the “glass is half full” page, because that probably won’t happen. However, I was constantly reminded that tomorrow is not a guarantee and that every day, month and year is something of a blessing. Yes, many of us face daily challenges in a variety of ways, but we all know many who are unable to face those challenges because they are no longer around.

Sure, a birthday in your 60s is a lot different (and quieter) than the celebrations that marked your 20s and 30s, but it’s no less meaningful. Everyone is a special occasion, and while some go way overboard and think their birthday is a national holiday, most of us are just content to share the day with the special people in our lives. A good meal that ends up blowing out the birthday candles (or fanning out in today’s COVID world, I guess) is often more than enough.

So if you’re celebrating your birthday today (like Sue Moll’s daughter Abby), I hope you have a great day, whether you’re 16 or 66 or somewhere in between. Every year is one to embrace, and as you get older you realize that adding a number is a pretty good thing…better than the alternative for sure.

LOOK: Things from the year you were born that no longer exist

The iconic (and sometimes silly) toys, technologies, and electronics have been usurped since their big day, either by advances in technology or breakthroughs in common sense. Look how many things on this list bring back childhood memories – and which ones were here and went so fast you missed them entirely.

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