4/24/23


Today I celebrate the anniversary of my birth so it seems like a good time to answer another question especially since it is birthday related.
This one comes from Margaret, who is a retired teacher that lives in the Pacific Northwest. Despite being a fan of the Seahawks, she is a wise woman and I enjoy reading about how she is navigating life with her family because it helps me get through some of my days. 

Favorite or not-so-favorite birthday memory?

I spent a lot of time thinking about this one because I've always had pretty good memories of my big day. My mom definitely made me feel special.
I think having a rough start to life probably contributed. 
I had numerous ear operations that eventually led to my single-sided deafness but it took the doctors forever to figure out what was wrong with me and, my mom, being a single mother was probably scared out of her mind. 
We were also on our own until I was 5 and then she married the man I consider my dad. 
After she passed away, that first birthday without her was rough. 
Fortunately, Mrs. Shife is amazing and has taken the baton from my mom and has made me feel very loved on my birthday.

The memory I'm sharing is from when I turned 40 and the wonderful woman I call my wife invited a special guest to my party. 

I had a good time at my party with family and friends, and the lovely Mrs. Shife even managed to surprise me. The photographic evidence is below. So for as long as I can remember I have had a little bit of an infatuation with Elvis. Maybe it was from hearing my Mom play the music in our house or maybe it is just the cult-like status Mr. Presley has obtained since his death. Whatever the case may be, I have been goofing on Elvis. So at the party, we are having a good time and all of the sudden out of nowhere comes an Elvis impersonator to serenade me. It was awesome but a little uncomfortable having a grown man dressed up as Elvis sing to me a song like "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" So check out the photos - which totally capture my awkwardness - and the pictures also make Mrs. Shife laugh because of the titles she gave to the pictures. The first picture is called "Is Elvis's hand on my butt" and the second one is "Yep, his hand is definitely on my butt." Enjoy and talk to you soon.





Thanks for saying hello and I will talk to you tomorrow.


I will persevere.
I will keep moving forward.
I will be the stream.




Comments

  1. Happy Birthday, Mr. Shife! Elvis himselvis at your 40th must have been amazing!

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  2. Sometimes the similarities blow me away. My mom's life and mine started out rough and when I was six, she married the man whom I call my dad. I also lost my mom way too early and really miss the fuss she used to make about my birthday. The big difference is that my birthday isn't here for another four months.

    Happy Birthday Mr. Shife!

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    1. Thanks, Ed, and it is scary how much we have in common.

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  3. I would love having elvis come to my birthday

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    1. Just let me know and we will get a go fund me started, YDG.

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  4. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your Special Day! And sheesh, if THE KING can't serenade you and pat your ass, who can? ELVIS CAN DO NO WRONG.

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  5. Happy Birthday Mr. Shife. Worst birthday memory for me, my ex-wife filing for divorce on my birthday.

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  6. Happy birthday! That is pretty funny. Living in Las Vegas I've seen many an Elvis impersonator.

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  7. How funny! I love the crazy photos and fun memory. My husband took me to see the late Harry Anderson on my 40th birthday, so that was a good year for me, too. Great question from your reader. Happy, Happy Birthday!

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    1. Thank you, Bijoux. Harry Anderson was great. I loved him on Night Court.

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  8. Happy Birthday!!

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  9. Happy Birthday. You've inspired me to write about my most memorable birthday--some day. Elvis--I wonder that you survived.

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    1. Thank you, Joanne, and I look forward to reading about it.

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  10. Happy birthday! Elvis patting my butt is the stuff of nightmares.

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    1. It still haunts me, Debby, and thank you.

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  11. Happy Birthday! I hope you make some new good memories.

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  12. Happy Birthday, Mr. Shife! My younger daughter had an Elvis wedding in Las Vegas. It was great fun!!

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    1. That does sound like great fun, Kelly. Thank you.

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  13. Happy Birthday to you and thank you for answering my question--and in such a fascinating way! Those photos are GREAT; they made me smile and perhaps giggle a little. Your face, Matt! I'm glad that your mom and now your wife made/make a fuss over you on your birthday; I grew up in a loving but no-fuss family. I don't remember having a birthday party until I had a surprise one, as well as a planned big shindig for my 50th.

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    1. Thank you, Margaret, and you are welcome.

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  14. LOL!! I love Mrs. S's captions! A love of Elvis music is a lovely thing to have in common with your mom. I hope this birthday was awesome, Mr. S. May you have a wonderful year ahead :)

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    1. Thank you, jenny_o. You are too kind and awesome.

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  15. Happy Belated Birthday!

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  16. Yay!
    Happy Birthday! *smooches*

    XOXO

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  17. Happy Belated Mr. Shife! That's a great memory.

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