As another year passes by, another birthday is shared with family and friends. It is the time for me to have another birthday for another year. I will be turning 19 Saturday. The one year before the twenties. 19 years I have been alive, which I am graciously thankful for.
I noticed the other day, while thinking of my upcoming birthday celebration, my birthday has become a regular day instead of a day for presents and cake. I remember my birthday being a day of presents, a birthday party at a kids place, everyone wishing me a happy birthday and a great day. As I have turned into a young adult, I recognized that the parties have become more serious, money and the saying "happy birthday" had replaced the toys for presents, and the birthday has not been as exciting.
I now realize what this means. I am becoming a grown up. I am maturing into an adult. I recall a moment in my childhood, my parents told me to enjoy my birthday, because when I reach adulthood, the birthday is not as special as it was when in childhood. I still believe that birthdays are very important and should be a special occasion for everyone. Everyone has a birthday for a reason. It symbolizes the number of years you have been in this world. Not everyone reaches the age of 80 or 90. Over the years and the birthdays, one sees all what the world has to offer.
A birthday reminds one that he or she was born that day years ago. That one was born for a reason, a purpose. As my birthday is approaching, I have yet to figure out what my purpose in life is. But I still look forward to my birthday, because if I weren't have been born, I would not be here today. My family wouldn't have known me. I wouldn't be where I am today. I would not have made friends like I have. I would not be in college getting an education.
A birthday always reminds others that they should treat your birthday like any other special occasion. It reminds them that they had the opportunity to meet you and be a part of your life. That's what makes them thankful for birthdays, especially yours. I see a birthday as a symbol of you being a part of someone's life. A birthday is a special day, and I should always look forward to my birthday, no matter how old I get.
