Included and Remembered

My 4th of July birthday has special advantages. My mother yearly pointed out that my father and much of the nation had the day off. Friends and family members mentioned the fireworks. Uncle Gene’s standard joke was,

I called the White House, and they scheduled fireworks over the Capitol for you.

In 1958, The Greensboro Daily News wanted a photo of a child turning one on the 4th of July. The assigned photographer knew my parents.

The best part of a July 4th birthday is never mentioned. My birthday and I are not forgotten.

As I read my birthday wishes and know others are thinking of me as they celebrate—they tell me they do—I reflect on the beginning of those relationships. Inclusion. How can I resist someone who includes me in their life? How blessed I have been from including others in mine.

There is no single “magic” moment that defines the start of a friendship.

Anonymous

I know the intent of the quote, but I disagree. All friendships can be traced to a moment of inclusion, whether we remember that moment or knew where it would lead.