— Margaret Lee Runbeck

A birthday wish to

“everyone,” because we all have our very own special day. We came into the world, and it was the beginning of our individual existence. Our birthday is ours alone; it cannot be taken from us.

Locked in our memories, we have vivid recollections of early childhood birthday parties. We come to a place of nostalgia of vanished yesterdays. Celebrations were special with young friends gathered around. Games were played, and there was singing, laughter, balloons, birthday cards and gifts.

I especially remember the decorated cake with candles. There was a candle for each birthday. If you blew them all out with one poof, you made a secret wish.

From pages kept carefully in my book of memories, I recall the year that I received two dresses just exactly alike. They were a very pretty wine color; one from my mother and one from my Aunt Julia visiting from New York City. What are the chances? To d ay, I am wondering what happened to the extra dress.

The celebration of birthdays give children many precious memories. Creating family traditions for birthdays is a gift of love that children never outgrow. Life changes, but memories live on forever. I hope your soul overflows with a treasury of happy memories of times long gone by.

We are living in extraordinary times not conducive to satisfying memories. Americans talk about solutions to complicated problems such as criminal justice reform, violence and shootings, to name a few.

In addressing our communities, what is the deeper story trying to emerge? We are fortunate to have people and organizations committed to extending enterprise, sowing good services, being in a secure haven and having peace on our streets.

We have breathable air, drinkable water, edible food and an exceptional wilderness area. Many people find communing with nature is an aesthetic experience and a spiritual renewal.

Wilderness areas also provide recreational opportunities for human beings. We have mountains, forests, rivers, landscapes, ecosystems and the living Earth. A very important question is, how wisely can we combine our resources to produce goods and services?

Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests “to return a portion of the world’s lost heart.” How can we, with all the global stress, find peace and freedom, and how can we extend the hope for peace and freedom to others?

Our community keeps the spirit alive with programs for every age. Saco Parks and Recreation has many seniority events. For example, there’s the first Saco Park & Recreation Seniority Lobster Bake , which will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Saco Community Center, 75 Franklin St. The fee is for $33 members and $36 for non-members.

The meal includes 1 1/4- lb. lobster, 1 lb. of clams, corn on the cob, potato, sausage and egg, and drawn butter. Serving trays, lobster crackers and bibs will be provided. Register at sacorec.com or at the Saco Community Center by noon Sept. 2. For more information, call 283-3139.

Just a reminder for folks with young children that the Libby Memorial Library and McArthur Library provide language enrichment programs and preschool story time. The Dyer Library presents Romp and Rhyme Toddlers, and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center presents Story Time. They all have a variety of programs.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Zaffie at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.