I just had a birthday. 23. Almost 25. I can't believe I'm another year older. I didn't really do much to celebrate. Do I ever? It kind of upsets me that my family has never taken birthdays seriously. For my birthday dinner, we went where I wanted to go, but I had to pay for myself AND my brother. Does that make sense? I thought I was supposed to be treated on my birthday? I always see people on social media get birthday surprise parties or big explanations about why his or her friend should have an awesome day, but I never get those. (I did get one this year. Thanks, bffl!) I don't expect them. But, I can't complain.
I turned 23 on the 2nd. I'm not supposed to have a planned birthday with gifts and a cake or be given a tiara to wear all day, but it would be nice to feel special. I rarely do. I should try to make myself feel special instead of relying on others. I did get a few surprises. A co-worker put a card in my desk a day before and left a note to not open it until my birthday. He said he rarely gives cards, but he knows I love cards, so he knew it would make me feel good. It did. I can't complain.
Getting text messages from people I haven't talked to awhile was fantastic. It was just as good as cards. A close friend called me, which I really appreciated. I know my bffl will do whatever I want when she gets home, and she'll buy me froyo or a drink. I can't complain.
This week was the last week of swim lessons. My favorite class is my Level 1 on Thursdays. Usually only three boys show up, and we have such a blast. (We once had a conversation about why I would never spank them, but apparently their mommies would!) I have a student, we'll call Jackson, that is by far one of the most kindhearted, sincere four year old's I have ever worked with. He just started lessons with our district, and I was his first instructor with two other male instructors, and he would only let me take him! So, having just me as an instructor for his second session was comforting for him. Jackson always called me "Ms. Amanda". He was super sweet. Multiple times, he would tell me he had to tell his mom "something", and he would go to her just to give her a kiss (and probably say "I love you"). How cute is that?!
Yesterday was the last class of the session, and it's very rare for students to give instructors a gift or anything of that sort. I got a hug from a student in my Wednesday class, which for sure put a smile on my face. I got a drawing last summer! You can't say that's not adorable. Yesterday's class topped off my four years of instructing. As the last class of the three regular boys entered the pool, Jackson told me, "I have something for you!". When I got to him and his family after class, I gave him his passing report, and in return I got a little Christmas bag stuffed with white tissue paper. I just wanted to cry right then and there!
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| The card and photo now sit at my desk for positive vibes. :) |
I waited to get home to open it, and I was so happy and thankful. Jackson got me a card with his 2014 Christmas photo-card, mini Snickers, Reese's and Rolo's and Twisted Peppermint Bath and Body Works mini shower gel and lotion. He already knows his way to a girl's heart! His card with a classic awkward stick figure pool drawing and some added flowers also had kind words from his parents. It was more than I have ever expected from a students at the pool. My heart melted.
Just the fact Jackson and his family took time to put together a little gift to show appreciation makes me feel great about continuing this job even with a full time job. After four years of teaching, this is the first gift of this measure I have received, and I am beyond ecstatic I had an affect on a child and his family. After such a rough year, this little act from Jackson and his family makes me feel special, like I did something no one else could have. If I wasn't his first instructor for his first sessions with our pool, who knows if Jackson would have had this great of an experience.
So, should I complain I didn't feel special on my birthday or the few days before or after? Of course not. I should be happy, delighted and appreciative for those who have tried to show that I am important or a good person or what ever reason the people in my life do things that are positive. Speaking of, I just got a package in the mail from my Big filled with items to help relieve me. She is so sweet and supportive. I can't complain.