Thankful for Another Birthday

Thursday, October 11th, 2018     by Debra DuPree Williams     Start the Conversation

Today is my birthday. I can tell you that they seem to come around far more often these days. But I’m not complaining. I think of many classmates who are no longer with us. I think of well-loved cousins who have gone to be with Jesus. I think of the children of friends and family who left us far too soon. I think of my parents. And I’m thankful for this birthday.

When I was three, my mama had a party for me at our home with cousins and friends and, of course, my big sister there to help me celebrate. Mama made Sissy and me matching taffeta evening gowns for the occasion. They were red and so pretty. I can still smell the fabric and hear the crinkle sound it made with each movement. I loved that dress.
Pumpkin Cake

For years Mama made me a pumpkin cake. I don’t mean a cake out of pumpkin like the pumpkin spice ones so popular these days. This was a pound cake, baked in a tube pan, and decorated with orange icing. In the hole in the top, Mama put a green banana to look like the stem of the freshly-picked pumpkin. I can still taste the royal icing. It was so good.

I got an early birthday gift this year. It came in the form of six awards presented to me Tuesday night at the in the Mountains Novelist Retreat. I am so appreciative and humbled by this recognition of my work—especially so when I look at the people who also entered their work. Such gifted writers, all writing because they felt a call to write for the Kingdom.
Missing My Boys

I don’t have any plans for today. Unpack, do laundry, write. Maybe go out for a birthday lunch with my husband and his sister and her husband who are visiting from Birmingham. I will miss spending this day with my boys. When we all lived in the same town, we always spent birthdays together. As they’ve gotten older, they’ve moved on with their lives and we’re spread all over the place.

But it will be a good day no matter what comes to pass. I’m just thankful for yet another year. But I’ll still miss Mama and Papa and my boys. Wish y’all could be here. You are loved.

How did you or will you spend your birthday? Did you do anything special? Share with us—you just may give us an idea for a future celebration. 

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