Song: Above All
Artist: Helen Jane Long
Yesterday (Dec. 7th) was a time for celebration...
not for a birthday had...
but for a birth day given.
Let me explain.
Technically...
I was born on Dec. 7th...63 years ago.
However, I haven't celebrated my birthday for many decades...
well...at least not for me.
Birthday celebrations for children... yes.
However...for me...no.
For one...I am a grown man.
I had done nothing, I had earned nothing...
I deserve nothing for this day.
And for the second and most important reason...
my mother had done something.
She had dedicated her young life to bearing and raising me.
A mother not only goes through the discomfort of pregnancy...
but her body takes great wear every time she gives birth.
And then...
there is sleep deprivation for years
as she interrupts her sleep to ensure her baby is fed and dry...
so he may sleep.
Then she spends the rest of her time ensuring her house is clean
and the meals are nutritious.
Where I had been a burden all of my young life...
she had made all of the sacrifices.
This is her day of celebration.
On my calendar day of birth...
I make it my mother's day of celebration and thanks...
and I have for many decades.
A man gives credit where credit is due.
The more children a mother had...
the more days of celebration she deserves.
My mother, my younger sister, and I (my elder sister couldn't make it)
went out to a local Korean BBQ eatery.
My mother loves good food.
It is an all you can eat place where...
like most all you can eat places...
I eat myself almost sick.
My mother is elderly...
and she needs 24 hour care.
My sisters and I equally share our care of her so she may
have the same level of care she had given us when we were in need
as young children.
We ensure she is fed delicious and nutritious food...
and that her house is in order...
so she may now sleep comfortably.
My mother...
a traditional mother...
one whom had stayed home to take care of her family...
has already earned her comfortable retirement...
for the rest of her life.
Happy birth day to you, Mom.
It was you who had given to we...your children.
It is now our pleasure to give back to you.
My birth day is your accomplishment...
and so...
your day of thanks and celebration.
