Happy Birthday!

birthday

My daughter had a milestone birthday recently, she turned forty. What a wake –up call that was!

It made me wonder how I could have a forty year-old child. Can you even call a forty year old a child? And how did my kid get to be almost as old as me?

There’s something about becoming forty—it signals the start of a new stage in life. You’re still youthful, maybe even in some people’s minds, young. But you are (or should be) more mature and hopefully more established. Forty year old people are probably married or in a significant relationship, hopefully launched in a career, and able to look back on life experiences to aid in making decisions.

My forties were a great time in my life: my career was blooming and I think I may have looked my best, and my family was thriving.

I celebrated my fortieth birthday by having a big birthday party—by that point in my life I had dealt with several difficult situations, and I felt like I was finally truly an adult.

My daughter said that she was excited to be forty—and I was pleased to hear that. Instead of fighting it every inch of the way, she embraced it and was excited about celebrating this milestone.

Isn’t that what maturing should be? Looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead while celebrating the victories and accomplishments in the years leading up to the birthday you’re observing?

Why not go for the gusto?

So, I wish my daughter many more happy years.

And I hope that every future birthday is a celebration.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art

About Kathy

I grew up in Buffalo,New York the second eldest child in a family that eventually included eight children. The neighborhood was an Irish-American enclave. These two facts explain a great deal about me. I spent many years as a teacher who really thought of herself as a writer.

8 Responses to Happy Birthday!

  1. Sharon Gauert says:

    Congratulations on your daughter reaching this milestone in a comfortable way. Don’t feel too old, Kathy, both our children have hit 50! We have no idea how they got so old while we have remained so young……at heart.

  2. Sandi says:

    Brenda is forty – the first time I met her she was five years old, in her P J’s waiting for the babysitter. Where has the time gone? I wish her so many more years of success, happiness, but most of all good health.

    Love Sandi

    • Cindy says:

      Wow! I remember how upset I was when I turned 40. Twenty years later I’m celebrating every birthday. So glad Brenda is more mature than that! Jennifer is dreading her turn in December!!!

  3. Lucy says:

    Happy Birthday to Brenda! I remember when my daughters turned 40. I thought it was an exciting day. Now they are both approaching 50. WOW! Where does the time go? Soon, I will be 70. It’s seems like the new 50! Congrats to you both!
    Lucy

  4. Barbara Herman says:

    I congratulate you and your daughter on celebrating life. Loved your words about “maturing”. I look forward to many more of your adventures and thought-filled blogs.
    Hugs,
    Barbara Rose

  5. Jeanne Gagnon says:

    Kathy,
    I can identify with you. My daughter is also turning 40 in March. We will celebrate her birthday here since she is coming to FL with her partner and daughter, Kasey (4years old!).
    I look back and I too, wonder where has time gone? Am I 40 years older?
    Your blog will inspire me to ‘look back’,
    Jeanne

  6. Forty is a fantastic age, still youthful, but exuding confidence and willing to take more risks.
    Send our Blessings on to Brenda.

    Our sons, Mike and Pete and son-in-law, Craig (like a son)
    all have birthdays in March: still in their forties.

    Blessings to you, too, Kathy.
    Wishing you happiness, good health and creative writing.
    Love,
    Bobbi and Al Mastrangelo

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