Yesterday it happened once again. It was my birthday, as it frequently is on December 11. Henry made sure it was a nice day by making me breakfast, taking me horse back riding, and then we enjoyed a great dinner with our little family at The Cheesecake Factory. Sophia was extra good, and didn't make a sound at all while we were out, except for little giggles of joy and cuteness. Yet, there was a downer to the day, and hence the title. Of course, those "guilty" will most likely not read this, so I may be wasting my time, but alas, it's time to speak up.
Here's the downer: More than half of my family forgot my birthday. I'll admit it now openly - I LOVE to be remembered on my birthday. I'm not talking about presents, but simply being remembered, be it via email, phone, a card, in person - whatever. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when people remember me on my birthday. That's just how it is. And yet, each year, sadly, a usual good half of my family forgets. It makes me sad, because they are so far away, and they hardly ever call, never write,...and then they forget my birthday as well. YES, I hope by this line you're already in tears. ;) Ok, I'm 31 now, and should probably get over it, and not care, but the truth is I do. And so, I was a little sad yesterday to have some of my siblings forget. Of course, they are all forgiven more or less because I know they are busy with work, being in love, being sick or whatever...but was there really not even time for one little email? The good news: Henry's family outdid my family in remembering me this year. :) Thanks guys (although a certain text message that arrived at 12.02am may not qualify as a timely birthday wish - just kidding).
I always try so hard to remember everyone's birthday. I realize I've failed at times, but it is so important to me that I could probably tell you exactly whose birthday I've forgotten, or remembered a little late. So, ye guilty Schulzes - I hope you read this and feel really guilty to forget your dearest far away sister in her aging years!
P.S. UPDATE - ok, so my family is forgiven. Turns out one of my siblings sent me an email that I never got, another one was having like the worst day ever at work and didn't get home till superlate, the other one I know is sick and hormonal, and the last one would probably forget his own birthday and can't be counted upon... I love my family. They are the best. Just don't forget my birthday if you can help it. :)
Posts
8 comments:
I enjoyed this post, Fran, as I could have written it...every year! I gauge birthday success by how many siblings remember. I don't think I've ever had a 9/9 year and probably never will. The worst was the year I got married. My Mom called, I thought for my birthday, but she only asked questions about wedding plans. Even after some prompts, "Do you know what day it is, Mom?" "Um...Thursday?" she replies. Total disappointment. My inlaws are typically better at remembering too. At least Henry is good at planning a fun day for you. Gifts are not Abe's forte (usually because there just isn't money for anything cool) and he doesn't cook. I usually make my own cake so I know its what I want.
Vielleicht hilft es mal, wenn Du dich mal wieder bei der Familie meldest!!!
Und findest du es passend sowas auf den blog zu schreiben???
I didn't forget you Fran! I even came to your house for a party that I didn't know was cancelled :) I'm glad you had fun with your little fam that night though.
Good thing we figured out that you didn't get our email, since I would have been a wee bit offended at having talked to you and you not even mentioning that you got it. I guess nothing is really ever perfect.
Fran , you're so funny. This is such a little witty and tender entry. I enjoyed reading it even though I don't feel guilty at all: happy bday! (mine is 01/01....). Your husband is there to spoil you, and he's really going the second mile. Luck old lady you are.
I had to laugh about the comment about Steffen. If he's as forgetful as me (and now being engaged) I imagine he would forget his birthday. :)
I know your family loves you. Though I agree it definitely is nicer to be remembered that special day of the year. That's why I like google calendar. It's helping me for all my family's birthdays.
Henry
Just so you know...12:02am is still 11:02pm in my neck-o-the-woods, so I was well within the limit. I meant to call you earlier, and, it slipped my mind, so I figured it was too late to call you so you got the text message instead. Sorry, it will be much better next year...I'll wake you up with a phone call at 6am so the kids can wish you happy birthday too! :)
-Rob
Phew.. good thing I remembered your birthday! Bless facebook! ;)
Btw, I'm so jealous that you got to eat at the Cheesecake factory. That's the one thing I miss about the US. We used to eat there ALL THE TIME. They have the best Virgin Daiquiris in the world. You should try!
Post a Comment