Birthdays – by Charmaine Candappa
July
As our birthdays approach us, I felt motivated to do something meaningful. Something personal, a shared experience with four friends we often meet. I would want to spend time at Yosemite, to look up and see the redwood trees towering over me.
I need to fill my memory bank with things that give me joy. I love to string necklaces, with turquoise and jade beads, publish my poetry, and spend cherished time with friends who provide me laughter and joy. I am not alone when I sometimes speak of these thoughts aloud, even with gifted ladies in my church group on Tuesday mornings, in our creativity room. People derive more happiness from such experiences.
Spending quality time with friends and family, that foster joy and enduring memories. My longing “to do” list includes a visit to New York to see the Statue of Liberty, have a bird’s eye view from the Empire State Building, and place flowers at Ground Zero. I would also love to see the musical Hamilton and visit the National Museum. I want to log as many experiences I can with my special guy at home, and our four friends that we normally spend time together. There is a secret indulgence that I have within me that I have put on hold, having not the courage to do it. I have wanted to pierce my nose, wear a nose ring, and up my glow with longer lashes, and have manicured nails to show off my hands, as I envy the beauty of the well manicured nails of friends.
However I really don’t know if I would experience all the thoughts I have embroidered in my heart, and if it would ever come to pass, yet I know there is nothing wrong in indulging or daydreaming. My friends have become new first time grandparents and are so preoccupied with their grand babies visiting schedules and obligations.
So I wouldn’t know if I would ever have the joy of a full palette of birthday wishes this year, or perhaps I would have to wait and stretch them longer and a little more longer. In the meantime I thank God for the number of years that I am on this earth, for giving me the awareness and the joy of His Creation, reminding me of Beyonce singing“ I was Here “at the United Nations.
I will in the meantime use this new year of my birthday to wonder and dream of what I might receive to fill my cup of joy.
I am sure there will be more memories to mint, and more blessings from God whom I rely upon heavily upon each day .
