I started running again recently. Trying to build up strength and stamina for the Bedford 12K in May. I’ve been doing pretty well so far, increasing my distance or improving on my overall pace, which to me is the key. Preparing physically for a 12K is not as difficult I find, as preparing mentally. The burden to overcome has often been the mental aspect. Getting my tired and occasionally introverted self outside. One would think it wouldn’t be such a struggle, as I’ve had some beautiful days running around North West Manchester or the beautiful scenery near Lake Massabesic. Even so, it is at times a struggle.
The date has now passed, of course, but I’ve been thinking frequently about April 15th in recent weeks. Friends, acquaintances, and family members with birthdays are always to be honored on each April 15th — as well as other days through the year. On these days, I distribute my typical and semi-amusingly abbreviated greeting of “HBTY” along with their initials, a Mc, an O’, and a hyphen if applicable. My imaginary friend, Sven Michael Smith-McWhorter, for instance, gets a greeting of “HBTY, SMS-McW!!” And I leave it at that. Some of my friends appreciate this annual greeting. Some titter. Some chortle. Some roll their eyes, scoffing at the lack of forethought, an artsy card or postage involved.
I admit, I’m skimping on words used. “He’s getting off easy,” they may be thinking. They are correct, I may be. But I’ve rarely missed a birthday in the past 7-10 years, or whenever I began my abbreviated habit of “HBTY.” (I feel I should get points for not missing an April 15th … or any other date. And if I do ever get points, I’m curious where, and for what, I can redeem them.)
Then there are those Facebook quasi-friends I’ve never really met or hardly recall, or old high school friends celebrating birthdays where it’s been quite a while since we interacted on a day-to-day basis. Not to be one to penalize someone for the passage of time (or for never having been met), they also receive an “HBTY” from me. It’s no skin off my back to wish someone a happy birthday, even if I question whether they know me or care. My feeling is that I don’t know what kind of a day or week they are having. And perhaps, just perhaps, a birthday wish is just what they need as a balm for the passing moments in life.
I do my best not to pass judgment on anyone. Anyone.
However, it is a bit astonishing to me that I’ve discovered more than a few high school, college or hometown friends and acquaintances who’ve revealed themselves unrepentantly as birthers and/or supporters of Donald Trump. And yet, I try not to pass judgment. These friends and acquaintances still receive an “HBTY” wish. But I’m not sure I want to know what they’re doing with my wishes. One of my friends attended a Trump rally and repeatedly beat someone over the head with what I thought was a political sign. It was in fact a placard that said “HBTY.” What had I been complicit in? Had I supplied the ammo? Birthday wishes don’t hit people, people do.
April 15th also brought to mind that glorious of all yearly celebrations: Tax Day. I filled out my tax forms (and said my prayers). Fortunately for me, Tax Day this year was not until April 18th and even with the annual wrestling match between concentration and procrastination, I filed on time. I’m getting a refund this year. (I think.) Not much but it will pay a bill or two.
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson is also celebrated on April 15th for breaking the color barrier and the so-called Gentlemen’s Agreement among early franchise owners not to allow African Americans to play in the organized major leagues. The more years that pass, the more I am in awe of Jackie Robinson and the grace he showed when lesser men would have broken … or exploded in anger. And all just to prove himself worthy to be included.
The burden for Robinson to overcome was more the mental aspect. The mental block some had that said he did not belong. Robinson has no control over this. He just had to set an example. But there was also the mental block that Robinson had to wrestle with NOT to react to those against him. From my understanding, he did so rather well, but it also ate him up inside.
Robinson wasn’t the only one who had to endure, but he certainly was one of the first. And being the first, he was under a microscope getting test after test after test. As most know when subjects are under the microscope for too long, or the light is magnified, the subject can disintegrate or burn out under the heat.
Ha. That wasn’t intentional but I like how the word “disintegrate” simply appeared, as if by itself — in a brief paragraph reflecting on integration. Robinson didn’t disintegrate under the taxing daily pressure cooker he was subjected to by opponents (and some teammates). As a matter of fact, he flourished, winning Rookie of the Year honors and later a Most Valuable Player Award. Jackie’s struggles are still happening, whether they are acknowledged or not. Maybe not in baseball, per se, but in assorted regions, parts of the country and areas of the world. I’ve been seeing it at Trump rallies. Funny and ridiculous at first. Shocking and jaw dropping as time progresses. (Regresses might be a more appropriate word.)
Jackie’s actual birthday was January 31, but I like to think of his surrogate birthday (as well as baseball’s re-birthday) as the occasionally taxing day of April 15. HBTY, JRR & MLB!!
So, as I pass the fallen trees near Lake Massabesic and beautiful sunshine, I am happy I overcame my “burden” of getting outside realizing that that there are other burdens far more taxing than mine.
Gary Trahan of Manchester, NH, has written and performed throughout New England, Colorado, Florida and New York City. Gary has written plays, sketches, screenplays and humor columns, including for almost three years as part of a rotating team of humor columnists submitting for the Encore section of The Nashua Telegraph. “Gare” received his BA from UMass/Amherst another lifetime ago, and has been learning lessons ever since. Writing and other forms of creativity help to keep him sane, uh, sanER. You can reach him at gareman2@aol.com.
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