Birthdays Make Time Reality

Birthdays make time real to me. 

Birthdays make me pause and look – they force me to see change. 

As a mother, I know that I recognize this mostly in my children.  When I watch as they take a deep breath to blow out their candles, there is a moment, a split-second, when I remember.  As they take that breath, make a wish, I remember holding them for the first time, watching them breath for the first time, watching them take a deep breath . . . and let out a long beautiful cry.  A cry that told me they were okay.  A cry that told me they were here.  A cry that told me they were mine.  And now, every year, they fill their lungs with air to blow out their candles atop their cake and they dream.  They make wishes in their minds of what they want their life to look like.  They dream of horses and vacations, of dolls and trucks, of joy and happiness . . . they wish and dream . . . and fill their lungs with air . . . and blow out their candles. 

Every year, I remember the moment they took their first breath.

Well now, my sweet Jaalah is 10!  I can’t believe it!  10 years gone in a blink of an eye! 

This called for a celebration! 

Today, no wedding pictures.  Today, no babies or families.  Today, no seniors or work.  Today is personal.  Today I share with you my family.  My girl – growing up too fast – and her Hawaiian celebration.  10 years.

Happy 10th Birthday, Jaalah!