Annie, a neighbor's daughter, was away for her first semester at college this past school year. She is a very sweet girl but just a bit shy. When her birthday month came around I found out she was feeling a bit blue and lonely.
Her family is quite small and finances are tight so there wouldn't be any birthday visitors.
I wanted to send her a card and maybe a small gift to brighten her day a bit. I got her school address from her Mom and planned to simply pick something up and send it. Then I got an idea!
I thought perhaps a bit more birthday cheer was needed here. I bought some balloons, streamers, birthday hats, and other small novelties at a dollar store.
I took a small recorder and asked three other people in my area at work to sing Happy Birthday and send some birthday wishes to her. It was such fun making the recording! Other people found out what we were doing and added their voices, so it really sounded like we had a party going on!
Then I bought her a small present and a card as originally planned.
The real fun was packing it to be sent. I opened the balloons, streamers, etc., and arranged everything so it was like opening a mini birthday party!
At the last minute I added a pack of cupcakes and a box of birthday candles before sending it off!
I got a call a few days later. Annie said her roommate and one of their neighbors in the dorm got together with her and "assembled" the party for her once it arrived. Another girl from down the hall joined them and quite the celebration ensued! She sounded so happy and I was so glad that she had some friends to share her special day with.
It was such an easy and fun thing to do. The people who helped me make the tape still laugh and talk about it. And Annie tells me it was the most fun birthday she can remember!
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- Posted by ziva
- Nov 13, 2012
- Comments (29)
Readers Comments
guo wrote: So wonderful
touched wrote: This is such a good story. I love it.
thaata wrote: Ziva you have a wonderfully loving soul. The birthday environment you created has brought happiness to many. Love you. God bless you.
Ammanni wrote: Very nice idea and good heart to help people.
Dawn Herring wrote: Ziva,
I was so inspired by this delightful, thoughtful post you have shared to help another friend celebrate their birthday. I love the thought and energy behind such a gift, and it's so thrilling to hear what a success it turned out to be. People like you make the world a better place.
I have posted a link on my blog, the birthday wall, for your post, birthday party in a box, for my readers as i share inspiring birthday stories and party tips for parents in connection with my e-book, the birthday wall: create a collage to celebrate your child.
Thanks again for such an inspiring way to share and show someone you care on their birthday.
Here's a link to the blog post: http://thebirthdaywall. Blogspot. Com/2012/11/create-birthday-in-box. Html
Be refreshed,
Dawn herring
Author of the birthday wall: create a collage to celebrate your child
Host of #journalchat live and links edition on twitter
I was so inspired by this delightful, thoughtful post you have shared to help another friend celebrate their birthday. I love the thought and energy behind such a gift, and it's so thrilling to hear what a success it turned out to be. People like you make the world a better place.
I have posted a link on my blog, the birthday wall, for your post, birthday party in a box, for my readers as i share inspiring birthday stories and party tips for parents in connection with my e-book, the birthday wall: create a collage to celebrate your child.
Thanks again for such an inspiring way to share and show someone you care on their birthday.
Here's a link to the blog post: http://thebirthdaywall. Blogspot. Com/2012/11/create-birthday-in-box. Html
Be refreshed,
Dawn herring
Author of the birthday wall: create a collage to celebrate your child
Host of #journalchat live and links edition on twitter
Betterthanever wrote: What a great idea! Outstanding way to make some feel so special! I am thankful there are people like you that make me believe in humanity again!
Pat wrote: How creative! Love your idea and how it expanded once you got started. It is so true how much joy we get in giving. Thanks for the inspiration! May do this for my niece in colorado.
Joy wrote: Wow! How thoughtful of you. What a beautiful gift. Thank you so much for sharing. Many blessings to you. I'm so glad amy had a great birthday because of you!
susan wrote: Awesome. Inspirational
michelle wrote: Simply wonderful! What a warm, caring and creative way to celebrate! Your gift was a true expression of giving joy and love! Inspirational! Thank you for sharing. I will certainly pass this on. Namaste!
