Happy Birthday

Tomorrow is my Happy Birthday. I am going to be all of 51. The earliest memories of my happy birthday are that of being dressed in a nice frock (stitched by mom), carrying a box of sweets to school.
Everybody knew it was your birthday because you were not in uniform. The day began (after prayers) by being called to the front of the class and 60 odd children sang "Happy Birthday to you". Well some sang, some just moved their lips, some yelled off key..still there were 60 odd kids singing for you. And it was bliss if you did not share the day with another kid...at least you alone were the star. Then of course, it was distribution time, the first offer was to the class miss (Mam please take one more).. For the children it was always "No you cant take two" (thats because there was always the exact amount to go around). Then perhaps your best friend gave you a card saying ..To my bestest, dearest, darlingest friend...etc.
At home of course, while there were no rituals like cake cutting, there was the customary sweet made and then a visit to the temple. You went to bed happy for a day well spent.

Now I am going to be all of 51. I still receive wishes though the numbers have vastly dwindled. There will be no temple visit (as there are none here) and there will be no sweet made (spouse can barely cook and who wants to make a sweet for one's own birthday). Still tomorrow is my happy birthday and at the end of the day I will go to bed happy and content.