PORT ARTHUR — When I was a little girl, I started getting excited about my birthday about a week before the date.  I would tell, or maybe remind, everyone that it was right around the corner.  Then the subtle hints of what I might want.

This was a time that we did not have a birthday party every year.  I can remember only having one birthday party with all my friends invited.  I did have a homemade cake, Mom made sure of that.  In school, the Nuns usually pinned something on my lapel reminding everyone of my birthday.   That was really fun at school, when everyone wished you a Happy Birthday.  It was not so fun when they wanted to swat you for every year old you were.

I can remember one year of my birthday, when I came home and no one observed it.  I walked in and was told to press a stack of handkerchiefs and pillow cases.  I said, “Not on my birthday”!  Mom gave me one of those looks.  I set up the ironing board and had tears running down my face.  No one cared about it being my birthday.  Mom had hidden the cake and whatever the gift was.  After I finished pressing the stack of stuff, I went in the bathroom and cried some more.  I think I told you all before, I was a cry baby.  I was called to eat supper.  I ate very little.  Everyone stood up like they were leaving the table and out came the cake and the gift.  I screamed with delight.  I told them that I thought they had forgotten my birthday.  I have never forgotten that day.

Now after many years past, I still expect for everyone to remember my birthday.  I have had many get-togethers on my birthday.  The family normally goes out to eat to celebrate.  I have a couple of friends that have a birthday around mine.  We normally celebrate together.  Actually, the celebrating can last up to a couple of weeks.  The more, the merrier.

Since Facebook has come on board, I can reach everyone, everywhere, and get a birthday greeting.  That is such a kick to have all these friends, family and even strangers sign a birthday wish.

Birthday cards are always special.  Someone actually took the time to pick you out a card meant just for me.  This year I received 7 cards.  This makes me happy. 

The only thing I sort of dislike about the birthday is having to say how old you actually are.  My older sister is always happy when my birthday comes, being 15 months apart.  It only appears that she is one year older than me then.

I do not know why my birthday means so much to me, even now as I am growing old.  I look forward to it every single year.  My family and friends never let me down.  My favorite cake is birthday cake.  I know that because of my age, candles are obsolete.  I do not want to have to call the fire department to put out the number of candles on my cake – being so many. 

My children make my day very special.  I hope you all celebrate you birthday as I do.  Never, ever stop.

Fanny Morgan of Port Neches is once retired and now is a church secretary. Contact her at fan1007@aol.com.