On Having Birthdays
Mercy me, I’ve just had another one! These birthdays seem to be arriving ever more rapidly. I remember as a kid so looking forward to the things. In fact, once I was reasonably close to the next one – say, three months – I occasionally claimed that upcoming age if asked how old I was. Not anymore.
I almost stopped having birthdays at age nine and a half. In July of the year I turned that age, I drowned in a community swimming pool and was only just barely brought back. It took a full 24 hours for it to be apparent I would make it and, when I finally awakened, that I hadn’t suffered grievous harm to my brain (some might argue that I did). But every single birthday since then has been a bonus for which I’m extremely grateful.
And that holds true for this most recent one. Though I’m not as spry as I once was, as sharp, as quick, as physically strong, as capable in some areas, I remain engaged and interested and eager and desirous of learning new things, trying new things, and seeing new places as ever.
My time was clearly not up yet at age nine and a half; there were other plans for my life. One of my favorite Bible verses as an adult has been this one: ” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
On July 4, 1961, my future was very nearly cancelled, to say nothing of hope. If the Lord had not intervened, I have no doubt it would all have ended for me right there, right then.
But it didn’t.
And on this birthday, as on all others, I thanked God for my continued presence on this earth. I have no clue as to how many more I might be granted, but I am grateful beyond measure for the 69 I have had.
God is so good. And I love having birthdays!
12 Comments
Susie
I can barely stand to think of that 4th of July and what life would have been without you. Thankful you were spared. Thankful I did not have to go through life without you.
ckarlstrom
Oh, now you’ve gone and made me cry! Thanks so much for your sweet note and for being my sister. I’ve known that this must have been an extremely difficult experience for you too; you were with me at the time and witnessed the entire dreadful business. I’m so glad we have had and do have each other. I’m soooo happy our relationship didn’t end that day. I love you!!
Trudie
Oh gosh!!! That made my heart jump ! I’m thankful He spared your life…He did have great plans for you! Happy Birthday again!♥️
Carolyn Karlstrom
Thank you, Trudie!!!
Beth
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude! <3
ckarlstrom
Yes. that’s for sure! I’m enormously grateful . . .
Sherri
What a story! And guess what! I have a similar but much less serious one.
I was only about 3 when I waded out into deep water trying to help a dog retrieve a stick. Always helpful, you know! I was with my parents at a sandy beach, and I don’t know to this day if they realized what was happening or if they were already on their way to help. All I remember is seeing bubbles float up in front of my face, and a strong arm wrapping around me. I had not breathed in yet, so no panic. A lady who was nearby grabbed and saved me. By this time, my parents were there and I wondered about all the fuss. I think God knew I needed to stick around for many more birthdays, just as He knew you did, too. 15 years later I was able to pay back my debt when the daughter of family friends stepped into a deep river pool and I pulled her before she had time to panic. I am grateful for my birthdays, too!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Wow, Sherri – that’s quite a pair of stories!! I’m so glad we all survived – you, me, and the little girl you saved. Praise the Lord!! Thx so much for sharing this. ❤️
Melissa Forster
So glad the Lord has different plan for you on that day. U have been a blessing to so many around u since. Many more birthdays to come.
Carolyn Karlstrom
Oh, Melissa – I so appreciate you and your posts! Thank you so much for this one. Very sweet . . .
Louise Craig
I am so glad you’re still here. Your friendship is a great comfort to me.
Carolyn Karlstrom
Thank you. As is yours to me. You’ve teared me all up . . . 💗💗💗