Another view in Birthdays

by Satanus 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  Satanus

  My grandfather is turning 100 yrs in december. My aunt, to whom i am practically a stranger, has invited me to the party. She has had many confrontations w my jdub mother, her sister. My aunt explained to me that the birthday party was their way of honoring their parents. Had i still been jdub, it would have meant nothing, but now, it speaks volumes.

  I thought of my disintigrated family. My own alienation from both my parents; one a dub, one not. How different it could have been if birthdays had been used as an occassion to practice honoring others?

  While i may not attend, it's 3000 miles away, i'm certainly going to send flowers, card and gift(s), and start up communication from my end as well.

  Any other positive aspects about birthdays anyone would like to share? This was inspired by farkels post on christmas.

  SS
• 

  Prisca

  So how did the birthday go? Did you attend, and did any of your JW relatives attend?

  Just curious.
• 

  Satanus

  Prisca

  I didn't go. My aunt would have said if my jw mother went, so she didn't. I guess i have been out of my worldly relatives' loop for so long, that i havn't yet inquired, but i will. I am planning to visit them next summer. They are serious fundy christian, since generations. I will have to be careful, or it will turn cold and uncomfortable. Thanks for asking.

  SS
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  Will Power

  These kinds of holidays & celebrations MAKE busy people take the time to get together, send a card, etc. I think they are a good thing. Families, esp extended, are hard enough to get together these days. Its how our very large family stays so close.
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  GoldDustWoman

  I think that is one of reason JW don't have the family connectiveness
  I see in families that get together for holidays, birthdays, etc.

  I remember as I kid, my Non-JW grandmother would always send me a birthday card with a little cash in it. My JW Dad would always allow me to keep them (must have been the cash ). Even though I would go long periods of time not seeing her, I always felt connected to her by those birthday cards. She and my Father would argue and I wouldn't see her again for a while, yet, she never failed to send me something for my birthday. She was the only one too.

  Andee
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  slipnslidemaster

  I totally agree with you Will Power. I always appreciated the family members that gave me a "December" present. It made me feel almost normal. Then I could at least pretend that I was like the other kids.

  Slipnslidemaster:"The problem with Ireland is that it’s a country full of genius, but with absolutely no talent."
  - Hugh Leonard