Back in the day, small-town radios would dedicate songs at night, and announce birthdays in the morning. By the time I was getting a regular radio paycheck, those days were gone.
Beast at rest. The dog, too.
Still, I managed to work my son’s birthday into the program. Radio is a fleeting thing, and more than likely he never heard his name mentioned. I knew that, of course. I worked morning drive and if he was awake, he would be getting ready for school, and later – settled into his desk. I tried to time it so the mention had the greatest chance of his hearing it.
I think I believed that such a public declaration made it more valid.
I still have a microphone in front of me. Instead of the radio studio, I can record the occasional commercial ad directly onto my computer, to email to the agency. Can’t broadcast birthday wishes though.
So, here is my alternative, my public declaration. An internet wish for a Happy Birthday, to be delivered to my wonderful son, Dustin, on this special day – his birthday.
I hope the day brings something fine, and the recollection that your family loves you dearly.