The Birthday That Made Me Realize My Love

I frequently encounter tales of love finding others, and I can't help but to ask myself, "What about me?" 

Life has been quite simple for me, however, it had its difficulties. By day, I am a teacher, and by night, a security guard. As for my dreams? They are apparently on hold while I take a struggle to sleep well. The dreams I formerly possessed are now waiting patiently for their turn. My priority at present is merely survival. This is not just the exhaustion of my body; my heart also has its story of pain.

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I have had love, but it was not long-lasting. Not because I did not try I really did my utmost to keep my partner happy. But, maybe, it was a bit too much. She wanted the kind of lavishness and consolation that my salary could not provide. They say love is free, but the truth is that at times love goes away when there is no security. When she departed, I did not resent her; rather, I made up my mind to expect less from the coming relationships.

My broken heart led me to decide against any celebration for my 28th birthday. What is the point in celebrating if there is no one special to congratulate? This was my thinking. I wanted no cake, no outings, no "Happy birthday to you" song. A plain day would be just fine.

But life has a way of stepping in with its own plans.

After class, my students asked me to come outside for a while. I thought they were just fooling around as usual. When they beckoned me back in, what met my eyes caught me off guard and almost brought me to tears.

A small cake was on a table, which was prettily decorated by the colorful balloons. I could not find the proper words and they were standing in front of me with such huge smiles that I could not help but feel good. They were singing "Happy Birthday to you" at the top of their voices in chorus and my heart was very happy.

They did not actually say it, but I got very well that they loved me. A love that was very real and strong enough to give me warmth was that. These little ones were not aware of the heaviness that I bear every day. They did not know about my sleepless nights or the quiet wars I fight. What they knew was that it was my birthday... and that I was important to them.

All of a sudden, it dawned on me: I am one that is loved. It might not be the love I have been looking for, but it is love nevertheless, and it is the purest form of love. It has been there all the time in the laughing of children in their school uniforms, in their kindness, in the eyes that were looking at me as a hero who deserved to be celebrated.

I have come across tales of love finding men, and now I am the lucky one to be counted among those men.

—Quaye

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