Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Today is my birthday, but as far as I know, only Mike and the physical therapist who reminded Mike it’s my birthday know that particular fact. Nonetheless, I took a few dozen cookies to pass around in a general, generic spirit of celebration.
I found Mike in Activities, waiting for Trivia to start. He hugged me and gave me a beautiful birthday card. I set out the cookies and figured that was that.
But then Harold walked in. From across the room, he said, “Happy Birthday, Sandy.” Hmm.
And then Bob the Trivia questioner sat down.
“Before we start today,” he announced, “we’re going to sing a round of ‘Happy Birthday’ to our local know-it-all.”
David Fox pointed at me and mouthed, “You??” I nodded.
And then they sang.
I am perpetually uncomfortable with attention, especially in group settings. But this was so unbelievably sweet and touching, it didn’t feel about me at all—which meant I could totally savor the moment.
After the “Happy Birthday, dear Sannnnndy” line, Bob said, “OK! Big finish now!”
And it was. There were about a dozen men in the room, and maybe three women, and they really sounded good.
Filled with gratitude, respect and a little bit of awe, I beamed, and clapped, and thanked everyone.
And then we played Trivia. And ate birthday cookies.
Today is my birthday, but as far as I know, only Mike and the physical therapist who reminded Mike it’s my birthday know that particular fact. Nonetheless, I took a few dozen cookies to pass around in a general, generic spirit of celebration.
I found Mike in Activities, waiting for Trivia to start. He hugged me and gave me a beautiful birthday card. I set out the cookies and figured that was that.
But then Harold walked in. From across the room, he said, “Happy Birthday, Sandy.” Hmm.
And then Bob the Trivia questioner sat down.
“Before we start today,” he announced, “we’re going to sing a round of ‘Happy Birthday’ to our local know-it-all.”
David Fox pointed at me and mouthed, “You??” I nodded.
And then they sang.
I am perpetually uncomfortable with attention, especially in group settings. But this was so unbelievably sweet and touching, it didn’t feel about me at all—which meant I could totally savor the moment.
After the “Happy Birthday, dear Sannnnndy” line, Bob said, “OK! Big finish now!”
And it was. There were about a dozen men in the room, and maybe three women, and they really sounded good.
Filled with gratitude, respect and a little bit of awe, I beamed, and clapped, and thanked everyone.
And then we played Trivia. And ate birthday cookies.
RSS Feed