Hello everyone,
Today, the 8th of January, marks my birthday, and I am filled with gratitude and joy. Adding another year to my life is a blessing I do not take for granted. Reflecting on life, I remember some of my mates from secondary school who are no longer in this world. Their absence reminds me that every new year is a gift, and I thank God for the privilege to be alive and celebrate this day.
The beginning of January always brings a special kind of joy to my heart, but I’ve often wondered why my birthday comes after the festive season, when everyone has spent so much on Christmas and New Year celebrations. It’s almost as if God intentionally chose this time to remind me that I am unique special in every way!
Yesterday, I visited my mom at her workplace and excitedly reminded her that today is my day. She smiled and teased me, saying my birthday always comes when people are broke, but assured me we’d still celebrate. She jokingly added that we will eat fufu and egusi soup that I shouldn't dream of having a cake what she said made me laugh, I couldn’t help feeling a bit envious, as all my siblings had grand celebrations for their birthdays. Being the little “jealous” girl I can sometimes be in silently hoped for a special moment too.
To my surprise, this evening, my mom asked me to dress up because she wanted to take me out. Excited, I rushed to my wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit that screamed “celebration.” My eyes landed on a lovely blue gown, and when I wore it, I felt radiant and ready for the evening then thinking of how to style my hair on my own,so I did it well that my siblings were calling me fine girl,me blushing haha.
We headed to the newly opened Roban Stores in my area (Nsukka), and my mom told me to pick whatever I wanted. While the thought of being greedy crossed my mind, I decided to be humble and careful. I chose a beautiful cake worth ₦4,000, a cup of ice cream, and a Nivea cream together with bread and a bottle of peanut . My mom encouraged me to pick more, but I jokingly thought of choosing something outrageously expensive, only for her to read my mind and warn, “Don’t pick anything I can’t pay for!” Laughing, I added another cake worth that same 4000 I said before to the list, and we proceeded to checkout with me carrying my goodies inside a shopping basket.
When we got home around 8:00 PM, we all freshened up and gathered to celebrate. My family sang “Happy Birthday” for me, and their heartfelt wishes filled me with so much happiness. Sharing the cake and other things I mentioned before with my lovely siblings.when they finished their own ice cream they were telling me to give them I refused but later agreed then my mom was like the road to Roban store isn't far?!.
Today reminded me of the power of love, family, and friends showed me.I felt truly celebrated and blessed to have received my family’s blessings most especially God's blessings that is the greatest of all. Here’s to many more joyful years to come in my life.
Happy Birthday to me!