Jill K Willis

Christian Author

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Another trip around the sun

Posted on July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 by Jill Willis

Today’s my birthday!

I’ve already received dozens of happy birthday wishes from family and friends. To me, that’s the best part of getting older—hearing from those you love.

When my son asked what I wanted for my birthday. I replied, “It would thrill me to have family dinner together.” After all, his sister lives in Alabama and he lives a county away. Busy schedules keep us from getting together as often as we’d like.

Marvin’s face fell. “Oh, come on, Mama.”

He’d sought something tangible that he could wrap and hand to me. Something that would bring a delighted smile to my face. Knowing him, he’ll figure out something cool that truly will excite me.

But, I spoke the truth. Nothing would make me happier than to have my husband, daughter, son-in-law and son around the same table.

Celebrating Ciara’s 21st in Hilton Head Island’s Old Fort Pub.

Last weekend, we celebrated my godchild’s twenty-first birthday. The sweet girl mentioned my name every time we talked about birthdays, even though mine is a week after hers. Ciara wanted to celebrate our special days together. Her generosity with sharing her momentous day made me much happier than a table full of beautiful gifts. I love that girl.

I’ve discovered a secret to happiness on birthdays. Hearing from family and friends is much more satisfying than gaily wrapped presents. If someone asks what you want for your birthday, request time together. I promise the memory of that experience will stay with you much longer than any product that can be purchased.

I’m pretty sure that my husband has plotted a surprise dinner for me tonight, and I suspect that both children will be present. All are horrible at keeping secrets. They’ve dropped several clues this past week. I can’t wait!

What’s your favorite birthday memory?

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6 thoughts on “Another trip around the sun”

  1. Miriam says:
    July 31, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    I have two great birthday memories. The first is the first time I spent my birthday at Wrigley Field. I’d always anted to be at a Cubs game on my birthday. What made it extra special was that I was with my dad. I had told him I wanted to go to the game with him on my birthday. By the time I mentioned it, he had already purchased the tickets! He knew!

    The second is last year’s big birthday. All I wanted was for my BFF to celebrate with me – and she did! 🙂 What made it extra special was that we live in different states and don’t see each other as often as we’d like.

    1. Jill Willis says:
      August 5, 2020 at 8:40 am

      BFFs should always be at each other’s birthdays!

  2. Michelle Kaderly Welsh says:
    July 31, 2020 at 11:23 am

    Happy birthday, Jill! I agree that having family around is the best present. Enjoy your surprises! 🙂

    1. Jill Willis says:
      August 5, 2020 at 8:41 am

      Thank you! My family treated me to dinner at a safe corner table in a swanky steakhouse. Lucky me!

  3. Allyson Lewis says:
    July 31, 2020 at 11:11 am

    Happy Birthday, wonderful friend!

    As I’ve aged, I have also realized the best gift if the presence of my children -besides having a wonderful husband!

    Wishing all your dreams come true!

    Love & Kisses!!

    1. Jill Willis says:
      August 5, 2020 at 8:42 am

      Thank you! So happy I got to spend my birthday weekend with both my children.

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