BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?

Subject: BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 09:13 AM

First of all, thank all of you for your kind words and warm wishes on my birthday. I know that birthday threads are not universally loved on here, but they surely bring a lot of pleasure. Invariably, someone asks, "Did you have a happy birthday?" Part of growing up is that the question shifts from "What did you get?" To "Did you go out to eat?" Or, "Did you do something special on your birthday?"

My birthday started out with a dead fish (not even gift-wrapped.) My wife Ruth heard a loud buzzing noise from our fish tank and called me. One of our fish was dead, and a second one was doing the back stroke. I couldn't revive the dead fish, even with mouth to mouth resuscitation (just kidding,) but I immediately took the remaining three fish out of the tank and went to buy a new filter. I ended up being able to save the back swimmer, and all was well. As soon as I finished that job, Ruth and I went to a funeral service, where I received an unexpected gift. (I'll get back to that.) After lunch, our son Pasha, from Ruth's first marriage came over and we spent the rest of the day doing heavy work in the yard, laying a patio. It was too late, and we were too exhausted to "go out to eat."

So, what did I get for my brithday, and what made it so happy? My first gift (after the dead fish) came at the funeral. The funeral was for a man I never met. He'd been on the critical list for about three months, with too many serious problems to list. He finally died, earlier this week. At the funeral, the only family members there were his wife, and one of their sons. Their other son was killed at the age of 15, coming out of their driveway on his bike, when he was hit by a car. The Mother had a breakdown with that loss.
When Ruth leaned over to take her hand (we don't know her either,) tears were streaming down her face and her son was doing everything he could to keep from totally breaking down. He couldn't even talk.
The Mother told Ruth, with a big smile on her face, and tears streaming down, how much my music means to her son. I don't remember ever seeing him before. Our best guess is that they came to hear the Gosple Messengers do their 10th Anniversary concert a couple of weeks ago. She said my music helped him so much! What better gift can you receive than that?

The Messengers sing a song that starts with the lines "Have I given anything today, have I helped some needy soul on my way?" That's what it's all about. To me, the "Happy" in Happy Birthday is hearing from family and friends who you care about. That's what makes Birthday threads so wonderful. It was great to hear from so many friends on here.. ones that I may have helped along the way, and ones who have helped me. Both of my sons called, and it was great to talk with them. And then there were the cards.

The dead fish was carefully wrapped and given a Christian burial in our garbage can (the one gift I didn't keep) Ruth will take me out to dinner on another night. And yes, I did get some three-dimensional gifts that were wonderful. But, the greatest of all gifts is love. And I got a ton of that yesterday.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 10:25 AM

Heartwarming, Jerry.

Subject: RE: BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 11:11 AM

The last few years my mother was alive I got into the habit of sending her flowers on my birthday. After all she did all the work. And that made me happy.

This year it looks like I'll be able to slip out of the house to see a movie this weekend. Actually on the 28th I'll be driving to Galveston. Seven hours on the road listening to my 6 year olds CD's is not my idea of a fun day - but every day above ground is a good day.

Subject: RE: BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 11:54 AM

Nice story!

But I think the short answer is having one - beats the alternative.

Subject: RE: BS: So, what makes a birthday 'Happy'?
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 12:49 PM

Ya men it's the presence that counts?