Why do we celebrate birthdays after the age of 21?

Only two short weeks after planning and pulling off what I consider a smashing birthday party for my now 2 year old son…I’m forced to celebrate my own birthday.  I really enjoy taking care of the plans, blowing out the candles and opening the cards with my baby boy.  But my birthday has lost its luster.  Not that long ago I would have been incredibly upset if those closest to me forgot or didn’t “make a big enough deal” over the anniversary of my birth.  These days it just doesn’t seem all that important, and to be totally honest, not all that fun anymore.  It’s not that I’m not “ok” with my age.  But I’m just not as proud as I used to be. 

These days just about everyone under 40 years of age defaults and refers to me as ma’am.  When did that happen?  I still don’t feel old enough to be a ma’am.  and now every year, I’m reminded of the fact, that I just ain’t ever getting any younger.  I know that’s not exactly earth shattering information, but it’s a sobering fact for me.  So now that I have a son who will age a year every single year, isn’t that enough?  I’m always going to be reminded of my age through his birthdays.  My husband “usually” remembers it, and my mom always does.  That’s enough I believe.  That is until the year I get no happy birthday wishes from friends and aquaintances…than I might just miss it! :-(