In a few short hours I turn 27. That would make this the obligatory birthday post, where I ensure that anybody who reads this knows that it’s my birthday, and thus all feel compelled to wish me a happy birthday (do so in the comments, and there had better be at least 3 comments to this post or you all are no longer my friends. just kidding.).
Birthdays mean different things to different people. For some it’s a day of celebration, of how far you’ve come in life and how far you’ve yet to go. For others it’s a day to lament growing older and lost youth. For stlll others, it’s just a day – neither good nor bad. I fall into the last category. When I was younger Birthdays used to be awesome – a cake, presents, and everybody showering you with attention. As I grew older, though, presents became more scarce, a cake was a staple that never really died off (thankfully), but it became less special. Then came my 18th birthday. Exactly a week to the day before I had been shipped off to Wisconsin to attend St John’s Northwestern Military Academy. I was quite literally cold, lonely, and scared. I had been there a week and knew only that I didn’t know anything. I knew nobody and had no idea what I had gotten myself into. It was my birthday and not only did nobody even know, nobody even cared. I had not yet met MattyP and Jason Gore, the two who eventually became close friends (MattyP is in my wedding, and Jason would have been were he still with us). All I wanted was to go home.
Thankfully, SGM Poe broke the rules that stated a cadet couldn’t have contact with his home or family for 30 days after arriving, and called my parents for me to let me talk to them. I’m not sure I said much – I was probably in tears sobbing about wanting to come home. Actually, knowing me, I was holding all that in and barely able to do so.
The following year I let my birthday pass in anonymity… there was no point in letting others know. They found out anyways, though, when Mrs Poe baked a batch of cookies for me.
Ever since my 18th Birthday, almost 10 years ago, I’ve not really cared that much about my birthday. Those around me have at times tried to make them special, and a few times have even succeeded (such as Ann taking me for a really nice steak dinner..). Despite that, I still feel like it’s just another day. I’m not any wiser than I was on the day before.
So, I’m 27 (in 3 hours 20 minutes). I’m getting old.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (and not the obligatory “happy birthday,” a genuine one!) I hoipe you have a wonderful day!
As per the text message, mate
Happy belated birthday John!