Birthdays

October 17 and 18. Birthdays are thanksgiving time. I am not personally so keen about my own birthday. But having seen my kids grow and stay away from home, birthdays are best appreciated as a time to get together and thank the Lord for each other. And more importantly, thank the Lord for the family and friends.

What if you have two birthdays? My daughter Yam had a second lease of life after a successful bone marrow transplant last year. Her first transplant anniversary was on September 25 and she was 12 years old on October 18. Yes, two birthdays for Yam. Two birthdays, too in succession - Yam's elder sister Janice was 16 years old on October 17.

Thanksgiving indeed. Janice invited six of her high school friends at home on the 17th. On the 18th, Yam who is doing home study for 3 to 4 months, after a 3-week hospitalization last month, visited her class and brought some food. It was a super duper time for about an hour with 25 boisterious kids in their classroom. Thanks for the special time alloted by Yam's Teacher Rose.

Is it any wonder that thanksgiving is always done with food? The nearest reason I can say is perhaps because food impels us to an attitude of gratitude.