Celebrating special people

Some cultures pay no attention to them, but in most parts of the Western world, birthdays are occasions to make a fuss about someone we like, care about or even love.

Today happens to be the birthday of two people who probably would rather that we forget any thought of celebrating, but who deserve every bit of recognition that we could offer.

One of them is 98 years old today. Despite his humble appearance, and his constant disdain for anything that would point to him in a celebratory way, he is most deserving precicely because he has always been self-deprecating and concerned about others' welfare. Many stories are told of his hospitality, and his constant willingness to share anything he had with anyone who is in need. Even today, he would gladly give anything he has (even though it would appear to the casual onlooker that he really doesn't have much in the way of material possessions) if it would bring happiness to another. Perhaps that's one of the secrets to his long life, along with his abiding love for his wife, who he always refers to as the one who kept things in order. When asked about the secret to his longevity of years, he replies very openly: 'eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, but don't eat between meals'. The fact that he walks every day is probably a major contributing factor too.

The other person of honour today is celebrating his 94th birthday. Like his friend, he also appears quite content with life. He still drives a car, and observes a daily routine which involves visiting his wife (yes every day, or at least whenever he can), and maintaining his devotion to family and faith.

Both these men have lived full lives, but they continue to find reasons every day to open their eyes, to put both feet on the floor and to say 'thank you' that they've made it through another restful night. They both observe the tennets of their faith regularly; in fact attendance at their long-time parish church is as much part of their routine as general ablutions are to most of us.

It's not often that either of them receives an invitation to come to dinner, at least not in the parish rectory, but both of them were contacted today, and part of their birthday gift this year involves an invitation to come sit at our table. Both have accepted gracefully, and so we will have the honour of sharing our blessings with them, of listening to their stories, and of sharing our own with them.

What a rare but wonderful opportunity, for them and for us.