This post could be alternately titled, “Why I wept all day on my birthday.” And, no, it wasn’t because I was depressed about turning 31.
I turned 31 yesterday. I’m a birthday person. I love birthdays. My parents always made birthdays a pretty big deal, with a fun family breakfast, gifts, and sending balloons or flowers to school. Even in college, I always received flowers from my parents. I just love birthdays.
But I was kind of dreading this birthday. I knew I’d take the kids to school and then I thought I might just spend the day by myself until I picked the kids up from school at noon.
And then my sweet friend Megan asked if we could spend the morning together, and I was just excited about having a morning with a friend.
When I woke up yesterday morning, I picked up my phone and already had five texts from precious friends wishing me a happy day, and telling me they loved me.
And I checked Facebook. If there’s ever a day to love Facebook, it’s on your birthday. It’s this wonderful reminder of all the people in your life that you’ve known from all different life stages. It’s a reminder of a blessed life. When I checked Facebook, I saw that my dad had posted the sweetest post about what happened in his life 31 years ago. And I wept.
I thought of my sweet parents. And immediately thanked God for the people that they are and the people they brought into my life.
Todd and the boys wished me a happy birthday, brought me coffee in bed, and Todd gave me a larger-than-life framed print of 13-month-old Hudson. It was something I’d wanted to have framed for years and we just never did it. And I saw that print of my baby boy, who is now 4.5, and I cried again. It was such a sweet reminder of how fast time flies and how beautiful my two little blessings are.
I told y’all I was emotional. I was just completely overwhelmed with gratitude.
Throughout the day, I continued to get texts, calls, comments on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and while I know it only takes a second to wish someone a happy birthday, I was thankful for each and every message.
There is nothing like a birthday to remind me how truly blessed I am.
It’s the start of another year. I have no idea what’s in store for this year, but I am so very thankful for the people that I’ve had the privilege of knowing along the way.
Yesterday wasn’t full of grand plans, but I felt loved. And I do feel loved every single day.
Thank you for helping to make the day special.
Happy birthday! It’s funny how we change as we get older. When we’re younger we love birthdays because of what we GET. But as we get older we realize that it’s the people in our lives and their love that is the real gift.
Happy {late} birthday, Erin! I get how you feel. As a stay at home Mom, you just feel like the day will pass and no one will remember. God works it out. Glad you had a great day!
I hope this year brings you so much joy, peace, love and happiness. Have a wonderful beginning to 31!
Hope it was a wonderful birthday!!! Love you!! xoxo!
You deserve it, sweetie! I’m so glad you felt so loved.
Happy belated birthday! Remember what Truvy says, “laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” : )
Happy birthday, sweet Erin! It’s so wonderful to feel how loved we really are – especially on our birthdays:) Hope you have a wonderful week, and wishing you all the best for your 31st year!
YOU are such a special person and I’m so glad you spent “your day” feeling loved and special!
Such a sweet post!
Happy Birthday dear! you are loved!
awww! I loved this post! I’m so glad you had a wonderful birthday!!! 🙂
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day 🙂 As a newlywed blogger, I love reading your blog!!
Happy birthday… thanks for sharing your life with us!
Aww, happy belated birthday Erin! I’m sure this year will be your best ever.
I love your attitude about birthdays, I need to adopt it and go out of the way for my hubby this year.
Happy belated birthday!
I didn’t realize it was your birthday yesterday. Happy belated birthday, Erin! I hope 31 is a fabulous year for you.
I love birthdays, too. I think it’s a good reminder for us to actively celebrate the people in our lives. And when my birthday comes, I always appreciate the effort people take, however small, to send me a little cheer.
As for these words, “If there’s ever a day to love Facebook, it’s on your birthday,” AMEN. That’s surely the only day I ever love Facebook! ;]
Love you. Happy birthday again. 🙂 XO
awww..i love this! i’m a crier too…especially when i’m overflowing with joy and gratitude! happy late birthday, sweet love!!! xx
So glad you had a great birthday, Erin!! PS- love love love that black J.Crew sweater you posted today…I’ve been eyeing it! you look skinny skinny!