Hey guess what? It’s my birthday! Yippee! Despite being snowed in, I’m making the most of the day and spending it (pretty much) off the computer, but I was thinking about my Best Birthday Ever and I thought I’d share.
Growing up, my birthday was always a SPECIAL DAY. It started with presents and pound cake (yup, for breakfast) and continued with everyone having to be nice to me—including my sister, even when I so rudely stole her clothes and sprayed Obsession perfume all over them and then put them back in her closet—and I always got to choose the dinner menu. Even Sneaky Brother scared me less on my birthday. My amazing parents were always so good about making it feel like the world stopped turning—in a good way—in my honor.
When I was seven, my mom announced that we were going to be getting a little brother or sister. We had our own bedrooms at the time but when Baby arrived, one of us would have to share. Sneaky and I were psyched: Both of us desperately wanted Baby to live in our rooms. Clothes Hoarder wanted no part of it—she was the wise old age of ten at the time and knew that although they’re cute, babies are also loud. It was decided that if Baby was a boy, he’d live with Sneaky; if Baby was a girl, she’d live with me.
I just knew Baby was going to be a girl.
Baby was due in December; December came and went. In early January, I was forced to go to school every day even though BIG THINGS WERE GOING TO HAPPEN AT ANY MOMENT. It was torture, but then it got closer and closer to my birthday. MY SPECIAL DAY on the horizon, I started dreaming of cake for breakfast instead of Baby.
I bet you can guess what happened.
Early on the morning of my birthday, my mom’s water broke. (Not that I was aware of such things back then.) Mom’s awesomesauce, so she made my pound cake and threw me my morning party, then drove the three of us to school, all while having contractions. Uh…yeah.
My elementary school at the time was across the street from the hospital where Baby was born. I remember spending the entire day staring at the building, hoping to catch a glimpse of Baby—like Mom was going to hold It up to the window just for me. That didn’t happen, but when I got home from school I received the news: Baby was here.
On MY birthday.
And It was a boy.
Sneaky got the kid and the crib (and the crying, though Baby was a pretty nice brand of wee person), but I got the Birthday Bond. Because as much as it might have sucked to have to share a birthday for the rest of my life, it never did.
That’s why for all the wonderful presents and surprise parties and even the occasional trip I’ve received for my birthday over the years, the Best Birthday Ever Award goes to the day my youngest brother was born. Back then he was my living, breathing Cabbage Patch Doll, all squishy and slobbery and adorable. Now he’s one of my favorite people and best friends. He’s hilarious. He’s smart. He’s loyal beyond loyal. And he’s one of the biggest hearted people I’ve ever met.
And today, when I’m feeling a little blah about Mother Nature giving me and my birthday plans the finger, he’s a good reminder that the wonderful people in my life really are the best gifts I could ever ask for.
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What a precious memory…you should be a writer:)
Happy Birthday to you and little bro and a wish for a year full of more delightful memories!
Where do you live? Congrats and many wishes. Can’t wait for your new books write many more, Forgotten was great!!!
Vic from Essex
I had to drop by to say Happy (belated) Birthday. I’m so envious of your relationship with your younger brother. Take it from me, that’s such a blessing.
PS – Today is my birthday. On the reals.
- Victoria
Thank you, Victoria! Happy birthday to you, too. Hope it’s a great one.
Cat
hey when is your second sequel for FORGOTTEN coming, thanks
Hey, I know its a bit TOO late but, what the heck……~
I really loved your book Forgotten, I’m still reading it now. Its a great novel, though some parts are inappropriate for me and my age. But overall, I really liked-Loved-Married the book! <3
Can't wait for more
Love
Queen B