Last
weekend, I turned 23. For those of you that may not know me very well,
birthdays are my absolute favorite thing to celebrate. So when it comes to
celebrating my own, well, you can only imagine my excitement. The month of July
has, in my family, become known as my birthday month where I basically
anticipate and expect to be spoiled for 31 days and 31 nights.
Controversially,
this year my father got remarried on… my birthday… July 14th.
To
be honest, when my Dad and Step Mom announced that my birthday, and that of my
twin’s, would be the date of their wedding, I was a little upset. Selfishly,
all I could think about was my day; my month; my big 2-3.However, after the
initial shock, annoyance, and minor disappointment, I started to realize that
this date really couldn’t be more perfect. On this date, I have officially
known my Dad for exactly 23 years. Now 23 isn’t exactly a perfect round number
nor is it a game changer like turning 21, but still, it serves as a particular
point of reference for me.
For
23 years, I have known my Dad. And when I say I have known my Dad, I mean I have really gotten to know him over the
years. I have loved him, and I have hated him. I have been disappointed in him,
and I have been inspired by him. I have seen his temper, and I made him laugh.
I have learned from him, and I would like to think I have taught him a thing or
two, as well. Our relationship has not always been perfect but having had the pleasure of being his daughter for 23 years, has really
allowed me to know and understand him maybe better than anyone (besides maybe
my two older sisters that have enjoyed similar opportunities). 
Over
the past 23 years, I have really gotten to know my Dad; which is why I don’t really
mind sharing my birthday with his anniversary anymore. In all my years of
knowing my Dad, I have never seen him as happy as he is when he is with my Step
Mom. In fact, before my Dad met, who I have come to know as the love of his
life, I had never seen my dad in love- and he was married to my mom for half of
my life. My step mom has changed my Dad in ways that I can only hope someone
will do for me one day. She has made him better. He is visibly more patient,
more passionate, more understanding... He has this new love for life that I
have only recognized in a few. Watching him love her over the past few years
has given me a new outlook on love and life that I don’t think I had before, as
I never had a great example set for me in terms of relationships and love. They
have this, “anything is possible” sort of love. One that can only be found in a
deep-seeded level of respect and compassion they have for one another.
I
am a respecter and lover of Love. And after having taken a step back from my
own ego, I have realized how lucky I am to share my most favorite day of the
year with two people that truly embody that reality.
