A Celebration Of Being Alive !!!

Birthday is the name given to the date of the anniversary of the day of a person's birth. People in many cultures celebrate this anniversary. In some languages, the word for birthday literally translates as "anniversary". Birthdays are traditionally marked by celebrations including a birthday party or, in some particular cases, a rite of transition.The birthday cake is traditionally highly decorated, and typically covered with lit candles when presented, the number of candles signifying the age of the celebrant. The person whose birthday it is may make a silent wish and then blow out the candles. After that, the person can open their presents. It is also common for the person celebrating their birthday to cut the initial piece of the cake and feed it to his most dearest one.The first piece of a cake is always special.

Back when I was in school, my birthday was the most special day of the year for me. Though i was not sure of celebrating it religiously, yet a sense of get together and happiness surrounding the moment made me feel for it.I looked forward to the day each and every year. There were so many perks { actually this doesn't matter unless we have a demand for getting something brand new :) }being "the birthday boy" not only at home but at school too.Instead of the usual Grey stripped shirt & pants uniform, you were allowed to wear whatever you liked.It was the only day you could wear a t- shirt, a party wear shirt , a blazer suits, cargoes & funky jeans, any color shoes or whatever..Not only that but we could also pass up the homework from the previous day :) You had total immunity that day..

Though i didn't like that spotlight a tagged Birthday Boy gets in his class, i had to compromise on it to enjoy all the following that i can get.I hated the way to stand in front of the whole class in a color dress which was actually funny and get them all sing wishes for u. This is the first thing that happened after the school prayer.So after my fourth std i made sure i was in school uniform and yet celebrated the Birthday in the same way.Actually it was a nice way to start the day @ school by giving chocolates to everyone. It was always special to give some couple of more chocolates / a special chocolate to the girl whom u had a crush, it was the best chance to send a signal.I always had a wonderful party @ home as all my close friends came over on that day.Since I don't cut cakes, but then i use to have my mother' recipe done waiting for us all to taste them.It was the only school-day that I was allowed to stay up a little late too :) Oh so much fun !

I never really met anyone that didn't enjoy their birthday at that age in school .. up until 15 years ago. It was at the end of my 7th std then..... Why would anyone not like to celebrate their birthday? .. More recently I was talking to someone about this very same topic and this time I just couldnt be without thinking into it.. I guess for some its candles and cake..fun and friends, for some its the thought of growing old (I am pretty sure no one is happy about aging), for some it is way too embarrassing to be in the spotlight, and for some its just another day of the year it has always been. So, What is so special about it anyway ? Why do people celebrate birthdays ? I was thinking about this, when suddenly I remembered something..a little bit out-of-context.

Long long ago when I was in middle school, we had an essay in the English textbook titled : "In Celebration of Being Alive". I am not able to recollect the whole story now, but all I remember is that the story was very touching.. very sad.. but happy too..and it left a lasting influence on my mind. I had to read it again.. I tried looking up on the Internet and after some frantic searching, found just one entry from another person's blog that spoke about the exact same essay. The setting was that of a hospital dorm full of children. Most of the kids are suffering from life-threatening health problems. Waiting to be treated.. waiting for a donor.. or some waiting for death to come..with all treatment options tried and possible yet going in vain.. The doctor walks in and is surprised to see all of them happy. A blind boy and his disabled friend(who doesn't have a leg) are playing the push-cart game. The blind boy is pushing the cart on which the disabled boy is seated and is steering it as well as guiding the blind boy. ..The boys are having a lot of fun moving across the room..while the rest of the crowd cheers them.

This scene..as i visualized in my mind while thinking about it, gave me my answers..Its is not about what happened in one's life before or whats to come in future.. but, about the life we have now..at this very moment.. all the great pleasures that we are able to enjoy..today..the sound of the rain, the scent of the flowers...the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the mountains.. all those magnificent things.. just because we are still alive. Now, THAT is definitely an occasion to celebrate.Isn't it.? And so, ..the day, when your life came into existence....years ago ..becomes significant every year for......
"A Celebration Of Being alive.." !