Back when I was 24, I met a guy who did a bit of traveling. He told me of some of his travels. I even dated him for a little bit. But the thing that caught my attention of what he said, was WHEN he intentionally travelled and not just for work. He took trips on or around his birthday every year. I'm like, "What a great idea!". It so happened, that year I was turning 25 and my dad asked if I wanted to take a trip with him to see my extended family in Texas. Um, yes please! And that's when I became intentional about celebrating my birthday.
First, it started off with celebrating for a week. One year, some good friends of mine celebrated with me for two days the week of my birthday! I'm not sure what order we did the following things: One night we watched a movie and ate pizza and ice cream. Another day we went to Universal Studios! During that week, I also got my hair done along with my nails and also got a wax. Ha ha! I went shopping for an outfit to go to Universal Studios in. That was fun! I would have liked to go to somewhere out of town but where I live, there is plenty to do around and close by.
So, I did a week celebration for several years. I even took a week off on my birthday several times. I just wanted to celebrate life! I've flown out of town to visit a friend, I've driven with my mother to go visit my great Aunt and so many fun things! You don't know when it's your time to go, enjoy the time that God has given you!
Then I turned 30! At the time, where a lot of women and friends alike dreaded turning 30, something happy clicked for me! I was excited! I felt more mature. I also felt like I was becoming more of the woman I was suppose to be. Trust me, I hadn't arrived and I still haven't but I felt like good changes were around the corner! Little did I know that in the near future that I would be learning some hard lessons which included going depression. But it also held good times, like going to Africa for the first time and reconnecting with my future husband and marrying him a couple of years later!
Later on in life it hit me! Why not celebrate the whole month of April as my birthday! It's the little things people. I don't have to go all out every day but like I said it's the little things.
Last year, my husband and I went to Ensenda for a house building trip on my birthday for several days. That was an adventure! And the day before we went, I found out that I was pregnant! What a birthday surprise that was! What a gift to be able to be in wonder at the miracle of life! It was very heartbreaking though when I lost the baby the next month.
So this year, this month, I'm taking it one day at a time to look for things to celebrate. So this is it so far:
1. April 1st, it was the first day of my birthday month! I went to see my OBGYN (I know fun!) and we talked about the possible cause of my infertility - a polyp acting as "natures" IUD. And the possibility of having it removed next month! So far, so good! Then I capped off the day, with having a "Black Girls Night Out" with my birthday twin (4 years removed) and her friends, for dinner and drinks!
2. April 2nd, I met a new group of girls who blessed my heart! We are all on a journey towards having babies. We have all dealing with infertility is some form or fashion. All of our stories are different as well as similar in so many ways. They were all encouraging. We support each other, root each other on and I feel like there is still hope for me!
3. April 3rd, since being a part of the ministry listed in #2, one of the ladies put a song on Facebook to encourage us. It's a song, sung by an artist named Meredith Andrews and the song is called Not For A Moment. It was just the song that I needed around the time I miscarried. It spoke to my heart of God's care for me and not for a moment did He leave me. I was reminded of that once again on this day!
4. April 4th, today is Coffee Friday! I decided that at least once a week, I could treat myself to a nice big cup of coffee, preferably a foo-foo drink. Today, I had a Salted Caramel Mocha hot coffee. It was mm-mmm good! I also got a call from my doctor's office scheduling me for my surgery!
This month, I have so much to look forward to and I'm thankful for each day I get to wake up, kiss my husband and start the day! So far, so good!
How do you like celebrating?
Love,
Mrs. M
