Happy Birthday

When I was in my early teens, my little brother who just turned 5, made me feel like a jerk. How? When we went to church to pray and light a candle, for his birthday. I asked him what was his birthday wish. He simply said "Happy Birthday". Not satisfied with his answer ,

I explained to him that a "Happy Birthday" is just a simple greeting to a person who celebrates his birthday. While a " birthday wish" is more likely a request of something you dreamed to have, like new toys, new clothes or a trip to the zoo.

Then I asked him again "What's your birthday wish?", and assured him that it's
our little secret. He looked at me, with a little frown in his innocent face and said
"Happy Birthday". Stupidly and confusedly, I said "Don't you really have any other wish at all?". Exasperatedly, he blurted out "Happy Birthday nga eh! Ang kulit mo!"

Funny, this little boy made me feel such a jerk for not understanding what he really wants on his special occassion. In his simple and pure hearth, he simply wanted a happy birthday as his wish. What a shame! It didn't even occur to me that some kid (or teen or even adult) may have all the material things that she/he wanted and needed...yet they feel empty because the parents wouldnt be there to celebrate their birthday with them.

As we left the church, hand in hand, I said to him "Let's hurry to go home, they (family) are waiting for us. Don't forget Mommy made your favorite - spaghetti".

Then he stopped for a moment, looked up to me and beamed "Ate, happy talaga ang birthday ko 'no?"

Looking him straight in the eye, with a clearer mind and a hearthfelt smile, I said "Syempre,

kaya nga Happy Birthday, eh!"

And off we go excitedly.