Today I turned 36. And the only birthday wishes I’ve gotten were from an automated card from one of my co-workers (it just sends birthday wishes automatically from some contact list he has), and one of my co-workers stopped by this morning to wish me a happy B-Day.
20 years ago I was getting ready for my sweet 16. Two-decades. Doesn’t feel that long ago yet at the same time I’m so far removed from that teenage girl. So far removed now from the self involved meeness of that age. I don’t think I had even a vague understanding of where my life would be today. I did know that I wanted to get the hell out of Puerto Rico, and that there was ot where I wanted to be. The possibilities were open, in my mind, of where I could go. There were no limits.
Over time, I did realize that there are limits as to what we can do, where we could go and who we could be. But, many of thos elimits become self imposed because of fear. I’m glad I chose the path I did. Life (or fate if that’s what you believe) stears us in certain ways.
And to take this full circle — there’s a reason why Samantha (Molly R. in Sixteen Candles) is meant to meet The Geek in the Automobile Shop classroom and why her family completely blows off her birthday. It eventually all leads to Jake driving up to the church and picking her up after her forgetful family leaves her behind.
