January 10, 20XX was my mother’s 77th birthday. The weather was clear and sunny, and relatives and friends came to congratulate her.
My mother was very happy and put on the Tang suit that my eldest sister had just bought from the supermarket. It looked even more festive under the sunshine. As an old man who has gone through many vicissitudes of life, my mother worked diligently and without complaint throughout her life. In those days when work points were recorded, my father worked in a mine and my mother farmed 8 acres of farmland in the countryside. You can imagine the difficulties and fatigue. It was under such circumstances that, with her thin body, she not only raised the four of us brothers and sisters into adults, but also supported the elderly and was responsible for our food and daily life. I remember that my mother never had a full night's sleep. She got up before dawn every day, raised pigs and chickens, prepared breakfast for us, and then worked uphill. She was responsible for everything inside and outside the family. It's rare to find leisure among them. Although my mother cannot read a word, she can clearly remember the birthdays of each of us, as well as the birthdays of younger generations such as nephews, granddaughters, and so on. It is really incredible. Even though the family was in an extremely difficult situation, my mother always faced life with a smile, did not panic when things happened, and had a peaceful mind. So much so that her father never gave her a decent birthday before he was alive (I know that my mother’s birthday is celebrated every year. , that is, eating a bowl of longevity noodles) but she had no complaints.
Maybe that’s why, after my father passed away and I went out to work, I always felt that I owed my mother too much, and the guilt in my heart grew day by day. On the eve of my mother's birthday this year, I discussed with my eldest brother and sister in advance to plan my mother's birthday. I also used my Saturday off day to take my mother in a special car to a restaurant to try out the quality of the food, so that I could know the quality of the food well. When I told my mother my idea, I saw that her frown relaxed and she felt very happy and praised my filial piety in public.
On my mother’s birthday, all the brothers and sisters of the same race came over at the same time. My literary and poetry friends also came to congratulate me after they found out. They include: well-known local painter Zhan Huazhen, mining calligrapher Han Fuzhong, Sun Xiujiang, Tieshan cultural research expert and author of the book "Tieshan Massacre" Yu Youcun, Wang Decai, Zibo migrant poet Zhang Lianzhong, literary friends Gao Zhiyou, Wang Xiaoguang, Zhang Shan and so on. Some of them brought calligraphy and painting works of "Fu" and "Longevity", and some brought exquisite gifts. Regardless of the long and dusty journey, they rushed over from Linzi, Huantai and other places... Suddenly the farmhouse was full of guests, and the fragrance of calligraphy and painting filled the house. , the atmosphere of birthday celebration becomes more and more intense. Around 11:30 noon, everyone arrived and took the bus together, chatting and laughing while arriving at Xiaofuhe Farmhouse Restaurant, Maqiao Town, Huantai County, Zibo City.
At 12 noon, my mother’s birthday party started. But seeing a huge Chinese character "Shou" hanging in the center of the banquet hall, it looked particularly festive. The scene was bustling with people, brothers and sisters found their respective positions, you held my hand, I patted your shoulder, everyone gathered together, and there were endless intimate words and endless sisterly love. Together we raised the wine glasses in our hands and wished my mother good health, a happy birthday and all the best... As the dishes were served, everyone took dishes from each other and showed humility to each other... After a while, the birthday cake was served, and I saw My mother's eyes were wet. Under everyone's gaze and in the applause of everyone, after making a wish like a shy child, my mother blew out the birthday candles with everyone, and then all the children sang "Blessings" loudly. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." Amidst the joyous songs and laughter, blessings and blessings pushed the birthday atmosphere to a climax. Then everyone applauded, cut the cake, and ate the cake together. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm. The birthday party lasted from noon until around three o'clock in the afternoon.
Looking at my mother’s comfortable smile, I suddenly realized on the way back: celebrating my mother’s birthday is just a formality. The key is to make her happy and live every day happily. , this is the essence, I think this is our obligation as children!