Rabbi's Message

I do birthdays (other peoples) big time. I can remember when my children were small, they would start planning the next years birthday parties the day after the most recent one. At one time Jessi (my youngest) had a campaign on to celebrate half birthdays (a bit much for my budget I must say). Now my children and grandchildren are just very clear about what they want me to do for their birthdays. Actually, I find it a way to make them know how special they day they were born was to me. And each one was soooo special. Actually, since the last two were born at home we made them birthday parties. (Though I must say I didn't feel much like cake after giving birth - more like tea and toast time.) Anyway, sometimes I wish there weren't so many requests for me to make something special, i.e. a quilt, a Hello Kitty step stool, a carrot/cheese cake, etc., but I do look forward to all those days when I can let my children and grandchildren and friends know how special they are to me.
I did rebirthing a physical relaxation/therapy technique) years and years ago and my rebirther told me that I should celebrate each birthday for three days, the day before, the actual day and the day afterwards. I'm not up to that, in fact, I don't pay much attention to my own birthdays, but birthdays are important to me.