Perspective does funny little number on time. To a dog, a day when people are away at that place called work seems like an eternity. To a child, time is endless. To an adult, time is a precious commodity. To me, time is priceless.
That is why I don’t really understand what happens to people and birthdays. When you’re a little person, a birthday is something worthy of fanfare, presents and celebration. I’ve had the good fortune of attending several birthday parties for the little people in the family and they are always something to remember. They come complete with cakes with candles, beautifully wrapped presents and even the occasional water balloon fight (weather permitting). 
I must be missing a part of the puzzle. Because my forever dad never seems to want anything to do with any of it on his birthday. He turned 35 people years old yesterday and mom was sure to go about her usual attempts to commemorate the day. There were presents and mom got an ice cream cake, but dad wanted none of it.
Denial. From the ground up, that is the only emotion in the Schmidt home yesterday. Dad was in denial that he is another year older. Mom was in denial of his denial. I was in denial of all of it. And Carter? Well, he slept the majority of the time so I’m not really sure what he was thinking.
All in all it was one of those days you can’t wait to go to bed so it can be tomorrow. So that’s what I did. But today I got to thinking about these evolving perceptions of time. Why is it that birthdays stop being fun as people age? Age brings with it memories and love and wisdom. And I don’t care what dad thinks. I’m happy he was born, regardless of how long ago it happened.
I guess I side with American baseball player Satchel Paige. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” he questioned.
Perspective. From the ground up, it does a funny little number on time. Heck, I turn the equivalent of 45 people years old in May and I’ve never felt better. And to me, time is endless, precious and priceless. Because instead of counting years I count blessings. And in doing so, I celebrate the years to come rather than counting the years past.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Happy belated birthday to your forever Dad! Tell him from me, “celebrate and enjoy every birthday, because there might come a day when you won’t be able to.” Besides, you take away a lot of joy from people who want to make a fuss of you.
WOW “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” what a great question! I love it!
Dear Lyn,
As usual your words touch my heart. I passed along your sentiment to dad, and in doing so I think I made him feel sufficiently guilty for not doing a better job enjoying the day. Such is life. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
Happy birthday belated to your lovely dad. Age is just a number as they say, and it is true. Getting older is a privilege and should be celebrated. I like getting older as it brings more wisdom and life experience. I never thought of that when I was younger. Your dad will get there and feel proud of his age eventually. 🙂
You’re right! Getting older is a privilege that should most certainly not be squandered. I hope you’re right about my dad changing his mind about things – I sure am proud of him so it would be nice if he was too.
Lots of love,
Wiles
You are counting the right way, Wiley! Blessings are way more important than calendars. Mom turned 62 a few weeks ago. She not only celebrated her birthday, but celebrated her birthWEEK with friends, and cakes and gifts and lunches and even a cousins’ breakfast. She says, “What’s the alternative to turning a year older?” *gulp*
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Happy belated birthday to your dear mom, Cupcake! I’m so happy to hear she rang in the day with a whole week filled with all kinds of joy. She sounds almost as wise as you with her theory about the alternative to turning another year older – I didn’t think of it that way, but it certainly is a reality check. Thanks for sharing your words with me!
Lots of love,
Wiles
Too many people get caught up on age and achievements! I think your mum is very wise to still celebrate the day, perhaps next year your dad can be persuaded to join in?!
You’re absolutely right about people getting caught up on these things, dear friend. It breaks my little doggie heart. Good thing there are people like my mom to keep spirits up – even when they don’t want to be kept up!
Lots of love,
Wiles
Happy Birthday Steve! Deny it all you want, but the years still add up don’t they! Hope you had a wonderful day! 🙂
Thank you, dear friend, for your birthday wishes. I was sure to pass them along to my dear dad. 😉
Happy belated Birthday to your Daddy! I think it’s better to count good memories and funny moments than the years. My mom always mopes when she gets one year older, but if we can’t change it, we can make the best of it :o)
You’re right as usual, dear brother – we can’t change it, but its a good thing she has you to remind her that we can make the best of it. I bet you’re really good at that! High paw, pal!
Wiles
Oh Wiles! So wise as always, and you ask some very good questions. I am a bit like your dad in that respect. I much prefer to celebrate other peoples birthdays because mine mean I am getting older. BUT if I am lucky enough for somebody to make a fuss, it’s always welcome… ignoring it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
I think if I didn’t know how old I actually was, I would definitely estimate I was still in my teens. It’s a really good question!
Hugs, Carrie (Myfie, Ellie and Millie) x
“Ignoring it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” Well said, dear Carrie – and so true of many things. I love you whether you’re a teen or whatever funny little number you are! All of my best to Myfie, Ellie and Millie! 🙂
Wiles
Hmmm. I think I’m a little like your dad. I don’t really feel like I need anyone to acknowledge my birthday, except for my husband. I just look at it as a day that I can eat cake or a special meal without any guilt at all. Regardless of that, please wish your dad a happy belated birthday and maybe ask him to have a piece of cake : )
You’ve hit the proverbial nail on the head as usual, dear Sandy. A day of birth is one to be celebrated. And (if nothing else) it’s one to enjoy whatever food you’d like guilt-free. For my dad it was indeed cake…ice cream cake to be exact. He told mom it’s all she wanted for his birthday (and, of course, she did not mind him) and he has enjoyed a piece a day all week. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
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The thing about birthdays…