Celebrating Life, One Frog Onesie at a Time

This week is a special one in our family — it’s my birthday. But what makes it truly extraordinary is that I share this day with my daughter Arya, who turns 11. Sharing a birthday with Arya has given me so much more than just an excuse to ignore the fact that I’m getting older. It’s given me a front-row seat to witness her unique approach to life — a gift I cherish more deeply with every passing year.

Celebrating in Her Own Unique Way

One of Arya’s superpowers is her ability to celebrate life, not just on her birthday but every single day. When it comes to her own birthday, she carefully curates the day for maximum fun, ensuring it’s creative and personal as possible.

Over the years, we’ve painted pottery, hosted craft buffets, and even made owls out of washcloths. Her vivid imagination led to spell books and broom rides, escape rooms, and funny dance videos with friends.

But Arya’s joy doesn’t stop with herself — she always makes space to celebrate others, too. Every year, she insists on doing something special for me, even going so far as to “sneak” a gift for me, usually with the not-so-sneaky use of my debit card. This year, she’s looking forward to a dinner made by Dad (steak, of course) and dessert made by Mom, followed by her gift of laughter, connection, and the little joys that make life worth celebrating.

The Frog Onesie and What it Represents

One item on Arya’s wish list this year perfectly captures her personality: a fluffy frog onesie. Silly, fun, and delightfully cozy, it’s Arya in a nutshell. She loves to cuddle up in her onesie, dance, and make others laugh. Not because she wants attention, but because she genuinely wants to see the people around her happy.

Arya’s ability to find joy in the little things and spread that joy to others reminds me that life doesn’t have to be so serious.

What Arya Has Taught Me About Life

Arya’s approach to life is so different from mine. I’ve always been serious by nature, and I sometimes joke with her that God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent her to me. Arya has shown me how to loosen up, to let go of perfectionism, and to embrace life’s silly, joyful moments. She reminds me that it’s okay to have fun, even in public, and to connect with people in deep, meaningful ways.

Arya has a rare gift for connection. She can light up a room with her smile and she uses it generously. Whether it’s drawing a picture for her physical therapist, baking something to share with a neighbor, or preparing a snack tray for a sick family member, she shows up for people in small but deeply impactful ways. She connects with people — from family and friends to teachers and doctors — with a level of care and compassion that makes everyone feel seen and valued.

A Lesson for All of Us

I’ve been blessed to hold Arya’s hand through some of the hardest and funniest moments of our lives. She’s taught me that connection is a superpower, one that can pull us from darkness and remind us of our shared humanity. Watching Arya embrace life with such generosity and joy has inspired me to live more fully, to laugh more often, and to appreciate the simple, silly moments that make life beautiful.

As I reflect on Arya’s gift for celebrating life, I can’t help but wonder: how often do we take the time to truly savor those small moments of joy? Arya has shown me that life’s biggest celebrations don’t come from extravagant plans — they’re found in the little moments of laughter, connection, and love we share with the people who matter most.

Your Turn to Celebrate

This week, I encourage you to celebrate life in your own way — whether it’s by being silly, showing up for someone you care about, or simply taking a moment to laugh and connect. Life is full of small, beautiful moments waiting to be noticed. And sometimes, they’re as simple as a fluffy frog onesie and a shared smile.