Birthdays

Do you remember way back in 2006, when Facebook was just two years old and had just opened up to high schoolers? Do you recall when all it was meant for was sharing photos, checking in on each other's lives, and keeping in touch? This was before all the apps came in. Before any joe schmoe could create an account. Before corporations, advertising, fake news, political propaganda took over. Before my generation, the ones that helped make Facebook the billion dollar empire it is today, started pushing the deactivate button and leaving for greener pastures. Why the reminiscing? Because there was a time that happened once a year, that made me stay glued to this social media platform all day.

You see, back when facebook was worth using and keeping track of on a daily basis, people wrote on each other's walls. They posted messages and interacted in lengthy comments. People could scroll down your wall and see all this interaction. Because it was about the human connection. Your friends could see this. They could chime in. And pretty soon, you'd find your self in an epic conversation. And most of it was never negative. You had no need to block anyone. Or to delete comments your regretted posting. It was a happier time for sure. But what made this phenomenon most enjoyable, was when one's birthday rolled around. Starting at midnight, every one of your friends who logged into facebook would see very obviously (as long as you had your birthday listed in your profile) that it was indeed your birthday. At this time, there was no sidebar, no window to right a simple message, no "birthday card". You literally had to take the time to go to their page and write on their wall.  Usually when one did this, they left more than a simple "Happy Birthday".  And it was usually a decent number of your active friends who did so.

But those are bygone days. Yes people still send out birthday greetings, but it's not the same as it was 13 years ago. But that doesn't mean I love seeing those notifications any less. The one thing I have noticed in recent years is the group of people who takes the time to write that wonderful message is an interesting group. As I scrolled through the messages, there were a number from people I've known for awhile, but hardly ever interact with on facebook and some I haven't seen in years that took the time to send warm greetings my way. And I love it. It shows me that people I still think about, who at one point had an impact in my life, are still aware of my presence and they still care. 

My birthday was this month. It is the last year of my 20s. It still blows my mind saying that. So this is all fresh and relevant. And because this simple act of kindness is near and dear to me, I, in return, extend the favor. Facebook says I have 563 friends (as of this writing). That's more than 365. And while not every one in that 563 was born in such a way that all 365 days are covered, there are still hundreds of days that come with birthdays. It doesn't matter if I haven't talked to you in years. It doesn't matter if I only knew you for a few days or my whole life. What matters is that you were born and you entered my life. Therefore, every day (if I don't forget), I check facebook at least once to see who has a birthday. And then I will take the time to wish you a happy birthday because I know how much it makes my day, so why not make yours?

Truth is, the older you get, the way you view birthdays changes. But I still appreciate it every time it rolls around. It reminds me that I'm alive. It brings out the good in people, and it shows how many do care.

So when this time rolls around again next year, you can bet I'll be looking forward to those little notifications pinging my phone. And if you are reading this and it is your birthday, well then, I wish you all the best and a very happy birthday!