Birthdays

My birthday falls on the 8th of January each year.

It has been to me:

A day of reflection.

A day of separation.

A day of gratefulness.

A day of thankfulness.

A day of cake-stuffing.

A day of smiling.

A day of presents.

A day of hugs and kisses.

A day of intrusion.

A day of frustration.

A day of wistfulness. 

A day of hopefulness. 

Looking back, my birthdays have been pretty amazing.
They could be compared to the blue skies that hold
a thousand vibrant coloured helium balloons,
some flying lower than the rest.

I decided to postpone my birthday this year.
Since I was busy taking care of my paathi
who was admitted to the hospital
and going for camps whilst interning at an office
slightly further away from home.

My rationale was that:
Any day can be my birthday.
I'll just pick one that suits me best and
celebrate it as many times in a year as I want.
It is my birthday after all.

I also decided to splurge on cakes for one whole week.
However, my lethargic and flabby body told me to spread out
my treat of seven cakes over a period of one month
instead of eating them consecutively for seven days.
Chocolate brownies and a few slices of black forest
are resting in my tummy as I write.
So far so good, cake triumphing promise.

Paathi told atthey to call me up for my birthday this year.
They attempted to call me up three times.
I called atthey back at 10.15 pm to find out that
paathi was still not asleep yet.
Just because she wanted to tell me:
"Happy Birthday to you"
in person via the telephone.

Thank you Paathi.
Your wish has been crowned as
the warmest birthday present of the year.