My fortieth birthday began around ten o’clock the night prior. My daughters presented me with a new ornament for Christmas tree…a crystal and pearl bedecked albino peacock. After all, I was already forty years old in New York! My Mom wished a happy birthday as we said our good nights. I awoke during the night to a celebration. I cannot be sure of the time as I checked no clock, but I am pretty sure it must have been around midnight as my Pop was involved. In the past, my Pop was usually first to wish me happy birthday, originally because he was earliest to rise and I was up early to prepare for school. Later, he began the tradition of a midnight Happy Birthday following my first visit home with my new husband and daughter. This night, I dreamed of confetti and ribbons raining upon me and awoke as my Pop whispered, “Happy Birthday.”
I was showered with blessings and messages all throughout my day. My Mom gave me a Christmas bouquet and both my brothers called. I called my Aunt Coralie, for whom I am named (Karen Coralie), and we enjoyed a most pleasant visit. Kayla made me stuffed waffles for breakfast. Chris gifted me my own WII controller set-“mini-sized to better fit your small hands,” he said. Then he built me a pullout for my record player, on which I enjoyed my new Christmas albums. He helped me make a batch of my Pop’s famous fudge before he headed off for a much needed nap, as he had worked the whole night prior.
I received a Christmas card from my dear Aunt Roby. She has been slowing down and had been taken ill recently. I shall treasure this card even more than all her correspondence over the years as I know how difficult it was just to pen, “Love, Aunt Roby.”
We supped on delicious birthday burgers from new local Burger place and I had a yummy dessert of a chocolate covered caramel apple that the girls gave me. Chris and I watched the old classics, “A Christmas Story’ and “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Afterwards, I was delighted to discover twelve more messages on my cell phone! Prior to our “good night prayers,” I visited with Kathy, my good friend since the third grade. I was ecstatic to hear how God is working miracles in her home and family!
Now, a little after ten o’clock, I realize my day has come full circle. As I journal and thank God for an amazing day, I think of where I have been and from where I have risen the past twenty years…the past decade. I bear a few battle scars, but I know that I am also stronger and wiser. I read today that “40 is the new 20.” I don’t know about that.
Someone asked me how it felt to be 40. I do not know what 40 is supposed to feel like, but given the love which surrounds me and the lessons I have learned, I do know it feels pretty good so far.