This is a PURE FLUFF piece. Please click on something else if you you’re looking for something of value.
I always turn inward on my birthday, which is today. (I beg you not to give me “birthday greetings” as this is not what this post is about.)
You ever look at your significant other when they don’t know you’re looking at them and wonder — “Why do I really love this this person.” — Do you wonder if you love them because they meet your needs (she’s so beautiful, or smart, or funny, or appreciate of me ..) as opposed to loving them for no specific reason whatsoever? Just because they are? I do.
Do you ever look in the mirror and in a brutal moment of honesty wonder to yourself, “Why would anyone love THAT?”. So imperfect. So many damned flaws. Thanks to my insecurities, I do.
I’m 61 today. I have no cancers. I have no health issues whatsoever, as far as I know. I’m healthier than many people half my age. I’m not particularly smart, or gifted, or rich. Yet, I have never known real need. It’s bitter cold outside, but I have a warm bed to crawl into. I have never, ever, known hunger. I have all the clothes I need, and a gorgeous mint condition 1995 Buick Century. My children are prospering, each in his own way. My parents are old, but alive and doing remarkably well, considering their age. I have a few close friends, and that’s all I need. I complain a lot, even though my life is good.
And I wonder …. I mean, I really wonder … WHY am I so blessed?? Am I more special than the mother who just lost her 20 year old son in war-torn Ukraine? More special than a child begging for scraps of food in Calcutta? Of course, not! So, why, why, why am I so lucky? I’ve heard many explanations, but I will never truly understand it. Indeed, do tell me, Lord … what have I ever done, to deserve even one, of the blessings I’ve known …. and all I hear is a Deafening Silence.
I rarely “pray” at all as I am not particularly religious. But, since G-d is silent yet again, today I’ll do the talking and offer up this simple heartfelt — “Thank You, Lord …. for everything”.
Well Stucky
We live in mysteries inside of mysteries and we can go crazy trying to fathom them. (One of those mysteries is how birthdays come around faster and faster 🙂 I do think a couple of principles in operation are 1) we tend to receive back what we extend to others, which is not really mysterious, and 2) those of us who are uber-blessed are called to share our abundance – spiritually and materially – with those who lead less-charmed lives. In that way, some balance can be restored in the world.
Anyway, you are a loving person even though you don’t sound like it on occasion. You love TBP and we all get to enjoy the fruits of that devotion. Have a great year!
Stucky and Francis, it was my birthday as well. I haven’t been around much because I’ve had some shit going on. It appears that life will go on in a tolerable fashion for the time being. Went out for birthday dinner http://www.pho79mpls.com six of us for $70, tip included. Got the fish soup, it being Lent and all. Here’s my traditional geburtstag greeting: ich werde ditch töten mit meine giftigen Affen.
Not “ditch” , “dich” goddamned auto correct.
Happy BD U Old Poop Head..Many More & thank You, Mike
Remember – those who have the most birthdays live the longest – sorry I’m late to the fest – busy, snowy, messy week.
@ Stucky, belatedly …….
“Here’s hoping your air runs out before your money does.”
—-old SSS birthday toast
Olga, My grandpa said his grandfather was so old, he left furrows in the dirt where he dragged his feet. And as he walked he prayed, just let me live until I die.
Stuck, I raise a toast: here’s to the first day of your 62nd year. Happy new year!