I believe in birthdays

My favorite sandwich is peanut butter and jelly, my favorite snow cone flavor is cotton candy, I like pretending I am a princess, my favorite food is ice cream, I still believe in Santa Claus and yes, I believe in birthdays.

Birthdays at the A’s are always a big deal. The birthday person gets to choose their birthday breakfast, have mom bring cupcakes to their class (even in high school), receive a balloon and gift at school, choose their birthday dinner, and have a family party as well as a friend party. You would think that I was an only child, but I have five little brothers and sisters who all receive the same treatment. My mother was brought up in a broken home and she does all she can to make sure we have the best home and bringing up possible. All of us kids are the world to her and she wanted to make sure the day dedicated to us was the best ever. My mom taught me that birthdays are important because people are important.

My senior year in high school, my best friend and I made three birthday cakes for three different friends in the first week of school. I had never seen such smiles on my friend’s face. They said no one had made a big deal out of their birthday and they had felt forgotten. This started the task of making a cake on everyone’s birthday and taking it to him or her. We celebrated one of my friend’s half birthdays. We bought pizza, made a cake and drew pictures. At the end of the night he gave me a hug and said “No one has ever done anything this nice for me, thank you.”

Two weeks ago, I made a cake one for one of my friend’s dad. I called and his daughter answered the phone, “Hello Janna,” I said. ‘Well I have something for your dad is it ok if I bring it over?” I asked. “Yup, we have been waiting for you.” She laughed. I took over the cake and his wife said, “This is the nicest thing anyone has done, he will feel so loved.”

Birthdays are not about getting older, or getting presents, they are about celebrating the one. Celebrating that one special person and that they get to be a part of our lives. How many people go unnoticed, unappreciated and left alone? A birthday is a day to celebrate, a day to celebrate a person. I believe in birthdays.