Happy Birthday

It was past 11 PM. Closing time. I had just finished mopping when I heard a sound in the air. Electronic beeping noises that played out a tune. I recognized it as the 'happy birthday' chant. A birthday had been thrown at the restaurant earlier and it was likely something from the cake. The music repeated over and over. I tried to locate the source and found it. It was coming from a pink plastic 'blooming' flower candleholder in a trashcan.

I tried to find a means to turn it off, but could see no such way. It continued to play. That humble device playing such a familiar sound. "Why does this make me want to cry?" I asked myself. The chanting that always occurs at birthday parties usually came off as grating or cheesy. But this humble device's beeping version touched me on a level few have ever done.

Because it was made of plastic, I felt it could be recycled. I took it outside with other resources I had gathered. I dumped them into the local recycle bin. But I could not bring myself to do the same to the flower. The music continued to play over and over without fail. I could feel tears building in my eyes as I listened to it. If I took it back inside, it would just end up in the trash again. Instead, I left it on top of the recycle bin in the hopes that maybe someone would find it and hear it and find a new use for it. Maybe for someone else's happy birthday. As I walked away, I allowed the tears to fall.

Happy birthday. That phrase brings joy to so many people every single year all over the world. It represents the progress of life year after year. But in my eyes, it represents the innocence of the young. The innocence that I feel is what touched me so deeply.

I am beyond my childhood, but there are many times when I long for years past. The years of innocence that are long gone. To every child, the words 'happy birthday' always bring great joy. The presents. The gathering of family and friends. The games and cake. It is every child's most treasured day. And it only comes once a year. This only serves to make the day all the more special.

Those two words represent the innocence of childhood. But at the same time, it may also evoke bittersweet emotions. As the years go by, the words 'happy birthday' begin to lose their significance. As we grow older, they begin to not have the same impact. Instead of filling our hearts with joy, they fill us with longing for the years that have gone by when the words 'happy birthday' actually had more meaning.

Then there are those whose lives are nearing their end. To them, the words 'happy birthday' have a much more somber meaning. Instead of representing the progress of life, it heralds the end of life. What do the elderly feel when someone tells them 'happy birthday' during their final years? Do those sacred words fill them with dread, a longing for the distant past, or a sense of closure before they finally pass on to the great beyond?

Time can be cruel. And hearing the words 'happy birthday' can be the same as pouring salt in the wound. The meaning of the phrase changes as time passes. The impact changes as well. In the end, 'happy birthday' is but that. A reminder of the flow of time and the progression of life.

Happy birthday. It is a phrase that brings smiles, yet can also bring tears. It can bring great joy, but also great sorrow. But remember, it is a day that comes once a year for every person and only once a year.

Even right now, as someone reads this, someone in the world is celebrating their birthday. Perhaps only five years old, or maybe fifty years old. Regardless, it is a day that celebrates the birth of someone. And it is a day most sacred to all, regardless of faith, belief, or nationality.

For every child, enjoy each birthday as much as you can. Enjoy your innocence for as long as it lasts.

For the adults, cherish your memories for as long as you can. For someday, your last birthday will come.

Cherish your lives and your precious memories. And when you hear the words 'happy birthday', remember when the words 'happy birthday to you' filled you with joy.

Happy birthday. Enjoy it whenever it comes. It may be your last.