Everyone has a birthday once. On this day each year we celebrate our arrival on planet Earth. The real recognition goes to the mothers who survived childbirth. Birthday parties can be fun and remind us all that we are mortal.
Every birthday is one less. As we get older, our birthdays change. In the past, we were always happy to receive presents and have a party. A fun toy, money in cards and a delicious cake were all wonderful. As we get older, we are glad we are there.
What was your BEST birthday present? I still remember my first shotgun. It was a 12 gauge Ithaca pump gun, Model 37. My dad took me to buy it at Ponento’s gun shop for $87! I still use that favorite shotgun.
I always liked to celebrate my birthday on the day it happened, and not when it was convenient for others. When it was my birthday in August, our family was usually on vacation. We celebrated it all over the country. Our 14-foot RV became the center of the party. My mother baked my favorite cake in a small gas oven or over a campfire. Sponge cake with chocolate frosting. Each year, more candles were put on the cake.
We never had many parties on my birthday because we were rarely at home. Even as an adult, I would travel out of town for fishing trips. One of my favorite birthdays was on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River in Idaho. I was able to fish alone and uninterrupted in a secluded spot with no sign of civilization to see. It was like going back in time. The cutthroats were feeding on Rusty Spinners. The fishing was hot during the afternoon spawn, and I had just the patterns I needed, from emergers to dry flies to spinner fall. I caught a boatload of birthday trout and only one eagle watched me.
Birthdays are days when people think of us. Your Facebook, Twitter, X or favorite social app lights up. Funny memes, messages, old pictures and just plain “Howdy” are common. People just want to take a moment to say hello, congratulate and remember what you meant in their life. We all do it and we all love it!
Thank you to everyone who remembers Montana Grant, Mr. Soukup the teacher, Professor Soukup the university lecturer, Beefmaster, Big Poppa and “Souk” the classmate, or just Grant your boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. Family, friends, students, acquaintances, Facebook friends and everyone who wishes me a happy birthday. I know you are all appreciated and are the best!
May the golden years continue!
Montanan Grant, aka the birthday boy!
