Happy and Grateful
I never feel more grateful in a year (except on Christmas) than on this day. And as the years grow in number, one after the other, the importance of today becomes less focused on the materialistic and more focused on the...abstract (for lack of a better word). When I was much younger, today would mean tons of gifts, parties, balloons and all that jazz. But now, I realize that gifts (though special and are very much appreciated, don't get me wrong there! :P) don't really mean as much compared to a heartfelt greeting. It's the act of remembrance that matters most. When you think about it, the average person only counts several days in three hundred sixty five and a quarter as special. There are the requisite holidays, Christmas would be on top of my list, and then birthdays, anniversaries. So to be a part of someone else's special days list, to me, is a big thing in itself. Because to these people who remembered, I am counted as special. And who doesn't like being thought of as special? :D
So it didn't matter at all that I had nothing planned for today. That I decided to be implulsive and spontaneous. I knew for a fact that today was - is - special and absolutely nothing was going to ruin it for me. It didn't matter a twit that all I really did today were stuff I'd normally do on a regular day.
It didn't matter because YOU made it special and extraordinary.
Breakfast was my favorite chicken noodle soup courtesy of the greatest mother in the entire known (and unknown) universe. Running errands wasn't bad at all when everyone was courteous and very accomodating. At mass, it felt quite like the priest was talking to me in particular; it was as if his homily was made specially for me. Lunch at one of my favorite Italian restos was wonderful. Not only was the food sumptious, the service was impeccable: fast, precise and all delivered with a smile. Even grocery shopping was fun: I met a Japanese shop clerk who reminded me sooooo much of Heroes' adorable/lovable/huggable Hiro Nakamura. Now that's what I call a celestial birthday present! :D Dinner with my family was at another of my favorite Italian food places, with an eat-all-you-can buffet. Great combination of good food and even better company. :D See? Nothing particularly special happened (unless you count my clumsiness and include my pouring iced tea all over myself during dinner :P). Nothing particularly spectacular. I didn't even get anything that merits sharing (not that I got a lot to begin with, but I'm definitely loving the cheesecake my super bestest best dad got for me :D). It was an extraordinarily ordinary day. It sure doesn't explain why I can't stop smiling (no, I have not [finally] gone wacko :P). And why I have this urge of wanting to hug the whole world. :D
Maybe it's because I am happy. :D It's an overflowing kind of feeling that makes you want to reach out to others and somehow make them as happy as you are. To you who remembered, you've made this day special because you made me feel special and have made me all the happier for it. I am humbled and very much appreciative of you and what you've done for me, not just today, but for being a part of me everyday. You changed me the moment you entered my life. :D Someday, I hope to return the favor. Not necessarily in kind, but I hope I can be part of making you feel as happy and thankful as I am today for at least a day in your life.
I know for a fact that when God sends me blessings, it doesn't shower; it pours. Because I felt it today when it manifested in an outpouring of love, remembering/thoughtfulness and happiness. And you were part of it. You are one of the reasons why I can call myself blessed.
Thank You. :D
btw: you = family, ptc, upsca, matE buddies, H+, friends for life, everyone! :D
You are only as happy as you choose to be. - me. :D