birthday

Be helpful after you think, be smart before you create your own personality and be thoughtful after making friends.

— Fahmid Hassan Prohor

Better to have to retrace your steps and then move forward than never to move forward at all.

— Anne Burack Sayre

Birthdays could be such a bummer when you were older than the country you lived in.

— Lynsay Sands

Birthday should be considered as a unit of measurement to measure our present status toward success!

— Mohith Agadi

Birthdays were made for going wild over the people we think are amazing.

— Richelle E. Goodrich

Caine’s a guy who needs to win. He needs to win before the poofs. Or he needs to win before I poof. The point is, he’s not going to just accept us freeing all these kids from Coates and taking over Per dido Beach,” Sam said. “So we need to be ready. And we need to be ready for something else, too: tomorrow is my birthday.” He made a wry face. “Not a birthday I’m exactly looking forward to. But, anyway, we need to decide who takes over for me if…when… I step outside.” Several of the kids made sympathetic or encouraging noises about how Sam maybe wasn’t going to blink out, or maybe it would be a good thing, an escape from the FAY. But Sam hushed them all.“Look, the good thing is, when I go, so does Caine. The bad thing is, that still leaves Drake and Diana and other bullies. Orc…well, we don’t exactly know what’s going on with him, but Howard’s not with him. And Lana…we don’t know what happened to her, whether she left or what.” The loss of Lana was a serious blow. Every one of the Coates refugees adored her for the way she had healed their hands. And it was reassuring to think that she could heal anyone who was injured. Astrid said, “I nominate Emilio to take over if…you know. Anyway, we need a number two, a vice president or vice mayor or whatever.” Edilio did a double take, like Astrid must be talking about some other Emilio. Then he said, “No way. Astrid’s the smartest person here.”“I have Little Pete to look after. Mary has to care for the pres and keep them out of harm’s way. Data has responsibility for treating anyone who gets hurt. Elwood has been so busy in the hospital with Data, he hasn’t dealt with Caine or Drake or any of the Coates faction. Emilio’s been up against Orc and Drake. And he’s always been brave and smart and able.” She winked at Emilio, acknowledging his discomfort.“Right,” Sam said. “So unless someone has an objection, that’s the way it is. If I get hurt, or I ditch, Emilio’s in charge.”“Respect to Emilio,” Deck said, “but he doesn’t even have powers.”“He has the power to earn trust and to come through when he has to,

— Michael Grant

Celebrate your journey of life.

— Lailah Gifty Akita

Children are sacred beings.

— Lailah Gifty Akita

Christmas has a deeper significance to followers of Jesus. It’s not all about the gifts underneath Christmas trees or the elaborate meals served in extravagantly decorated homes. Christmas is the season of Immanuel. We celebrate the good news that He is near, that He cares for us, and that He transforms lives. His presence was the greatest present God gave mankind. May we be present carriers of that presence!

— Katherine J. Walden

Coincidences undeniably imply meaning. I am rereading Hart Crane. I notice the date On which he stepped off that boat Was April 26. Tomorrow is April 26. The year of his suicide was 1932. I was four. I am now fifty-one. One undeniable implication in this case thesis that the year, today, Is 1979. Afterward, Crane’s mother scrubbed floors. Eventually, I may or may not Jump overboard. Are there questions?

— David Markson