Looking back in time, I could tell that when it is 19th April, my memory doesn't seem to remember that it is my birthday. Many factors does contribute to this. I like to celebrate my birthday like every other person but most times until recently, I haven't been able to.

Now, let me use this medium to announce to all my wonderful friends and readers that today is my birthday. Only recently I celebrated my 9th wedding anniversary and now it's my birthday. April is such a great month for me. At first, some of my friends thought I planned it that way but far from it, I didn't plan my wedding date neither did I have a say as to when I was born.

Why Do I forget?

I have never had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday in a grand style. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to celebrate with my friends and at some instances, been the master of ceremony in birthday parties but my own date have not always stuck to my head due to the following reasons.

Life' Struggles

Many people may not seem to understand this part of my life but it is real. There had been times when putting food on the table was quite a big issue and if the opportunity raised it head, it had to be a very big task.

One particular year, when the Academic Staff Union of University embarked on a nation wide strike and the university campuses were shut down, I went with my friend from Ondo to Anambra state where we went to work as masons to gather enough funds to return to school.

After eight months, the ASUU strike were called off and we were back to school. Only then did I remember that my birthday have passed months ago. This is just one of those experiences that made me forget this special day.

There are times when I want to be like other kids but circumstances won't let me.

The Day Isn't Quite Different

Then, maybe because of what I was going through, I did not consider birthdays are very important.

Some people too have thought that birthdate are like every other passing day so they don't get to do anything special on that day.

How We Should Celebrate Our Birthdays

For me, I think the day of one's birth is a special day. It marks the beginning of another year. And looking back, one would understand where he or she is coming from and would like to take life with simplicity but with vigor to reach set goals.

We shouldn't be caught in the web of alcohol in the name of celebrating our birthdays. The day should be for sober reflection.

Unlike other times, I decided to spend the day worshiping the Most High. I put up a concert in my local church assembly which will start today by 6:00pm, West African Time (WAT). I think the day is a time for sincere worship to the One who had seen me through the hurdles of life.

We should not involve ourselves in any form of wastage in the name of celebrating out birthdays. We rather should use the day to see how we can help out the vulnerable in our immediate environment. For example, if one who is celebrating his or her birthday could reach out to the motherless babies home or the orphanage.

If You Remember Your Birthday

Remembering your birthday is a very rare opportunity. It means that life have been fair with you or you have been able to put under control the challenges you are faced with.

Count yourself lucky or graceful to have less worries on your birthday. Like my story of not remembering my birthday, we should be relatively grateful.and count it an opportunity to give back.

Someone out there is seriously in need of an assistance that you can render. Do not hold it back. Your birthday could be the best moment to reach out to them.

At this juncture, I'd like to say a very big THANK YOU to friends and well wishes and my kinsmen in the BCH NIGERIAN FORUM who have taken time to celebrate with me today. All your prayers, gifts and wishes farewell received and appreciated.

Happy birthday to me.

All images used in this publication are mine