Happy Birthday to Me!
Darlings,
Sunday was my birthday. I am a Sunday Child… meaning I was born on a Sunday.
I have always been glad. I don’t know exactly why… I think it is a combination of having ‘sun’ as part of the word, and Sunday being the definition of a Sunday Child in the nursery rhyme, Monday’s Child: “And the child who is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.”
I mention this because I woke up on my birthday to a torrential downpour that did not subside. It was so intense there were warning sirens. I was terribly disappointed but made myself think, “La De Da… I am going to pretend the sun is shining and I am going to celebrate because it is my birthday and my special day. And, guess what… it was a day of celebrating friendship and love; it was a day of togetherness with my Ultimate Concierge who was able, even with the Pandemic, to send me gorgeous roses and a card that read, “Thank you for a delightful life.” For 29 years he has sent me flowers on my birthday with a handwritten note, and for some reason, I think it was the word, delightful, this short note touched me like non-other.
Hearing From the Ones I Love
I heard from my daughter, my grands, my mom and brother, my daughter-in-law Jami, my sisters-in-law, and many friends. And last but not least I heard from you and my Honey Bees. My birthday was inclusive even in these days of the COVID-19 Pandemic. And, I am grateful.
My first call and FaceTime of the day was from my daughter, Jenny, and my son-in-law, Bruce. They were still in bed and so were we, after all, it was Sunday! And, then the unexpected happened and that is the theme of this story.
The Significant Value of Planting Your Garden With Friendships
After we hung up I opened my email and there was an unexpected birthday message from an acquaintance/friend of mine. You know Darlings, how I mention three categories of friendships; best friends, friends, and acquaintances. Acquaintances are the low hanging fruit but important because they usually add spice to your life and who knows… they have the potential to become close friends.
I have often written about the significant value of friendship. I have expressed how much I enjoy the camaraderie of women friends and if time permitted I would fill it with girlfriends. This is a perfect time in your life to commit yourself to your girlfriends because many of you have the time. And, you are at the stage of life to trust your instincts.
I am such a strong proponent of groups and my dream would be to set up groups for women all over the USA. It is a dream but it explains my feelings.
I have copied and pasted three birthday wishes, the first I received in an email and the other two by text message so I could show you the value of girlfriends and the importance of having a diversification of women friends. Each brought me a great amount of joy on my birthday. I also copied and pasted my responses (no easy feat for me) to show you how I expressed my gratitude and appreciation for their friendship.
Three Categories of Friendships
Lilo is an acquaintance girlfriend. After hearing from my daughter, Jenny, I opened my emails and Lilo’s birthday wish was my first. It was unexpected and made me very happy.
From Lilo:
Have a special Birthday Susie.
– Lilo
My Response:
Dear Lilo,
My Right & Left Hand
This is from Ines. Ines is my right and left hand, sometimes the right and left side of my brain at Honey Good; but most importantly… my friend.
From Ines Grzeslo:
Celebrate in the best way possible with YOUR loves (Shelly, America & messages from your loving family members to include a call with your mom).
In the movie Jerry McGuire, there is a line, “You had me at hello”. That is how my dedication and affection is for you… we have our moments of emotional exchange (😜😉)… but these exchanges come from a place where I feel is out of a desire to make one another better… “You had me at hello” reinforces my commitment to you regardless of how we are connected 💜💜🤗
Yes, meaning… I loved you from go… LOL!
My Response:
I know! Feeling mutual! LOLLL
A Best Girlfriend
This birthday message came from Lori. She is a best girlfriend.
From Lori:
Happy Birthday, Cake Day!!!
Happy Birthday, my beautiful girlfriend. 💕My wish for you is joy, laughter, love & good health. The fog will lift. We will dance in the sun, In the rain under the rainbow 🌈 once again. 💝
My Response:
Though it is not your birthday I am sending your loving words back to you with love and friendship.
A Summary
Three different women who do not know one another. Three different women who touch me in different ways. Three different women from different walks of life. Three different women with different interests that peak my fancy. Three different women… but all the same… because they are my girlfriends.
Reach out, Darlings, to best friends, friends, and acquaintances. You have the added time now with COVID- 19. Build girlfriend equity. It is worth its weight in gold. Trust me… I know!
An inspiring post Honey. Love that you shared your birthday notes. It means a lot that you tell us what goes on in your world. We get a glimpse of your fabulous life. We, who follow you, are bedazzled by your charm and positivity.
Fond Aloha, Brooke
Oh! and Happy Birthday!
So glad your birthday was unique and filled with love…the best gift of all!
Being born on Sunday is special. I was also born on Sunday and love it. I have a double whammy…born on leap year too!
Quarantined since the middle of February with health issues resulting in hospital stay followed by more home quarantine. Back to good health for which I thank God! Since I have the choice…I choose to embrace each day with good thoughts…which in turn helps the emotions we are all struggling with.
Thank you for being transparent and a ray of sunshine. I enjoy our connection!
May the Lord bless you and keep you…
Diana 💜