Which trumps? Father's Day or my birthday?

Thirty-nine years ago -- well, more or less -- I was born on Father's Day. I'm sure I was the perfect little squalling gift for Daddy.

Growing up, my special day fell on Daddy's special day every six years. My mother, the selfless, nurturing homemaker, made sure it was special for us both. A party with ice cream and cake for me. A steak for Daddy.

It never crossed my spoiled, youngest child mind that I was actually sharing my special day.

Now let’s travel through time. I’m married. My daughter is born. Father’s Day takes on new meaning. When the third Sunday in June rolls around, my husband gets his favorite breakfast, plus a chocolate cake, and original finger painting that only a daddy can love. It’s his special day.

Until baby turned five. When, once again, my birthday fell on Father’s Day.

I inherited many things from my mother: her height, her eye color, her chopped liver recipe. I did not inherit her selfless, nurturing nature.

In the galactic battle of my birthday and Father’s Day, I declared myself the winner. I’m in charge of dinner every day of the year but two, I explained. Only Mother’s Day and my birthday give me respite. Father’s Day or not, I’m taking the day off.

My husband grumbled a bit, but rather good-naturedly. We went out to eat that day, but he was in charge of laundry and childcare. After all, isn’t having a pre-schooler primarily about laundry, cooking, and childcare? I needed a break. Happy Father’s Day.

Due to the vagrancies of leap years, the next celestial alignment of my birthday and D-Day is this Sunday, June 16, 2013. The daughter is now in high school. Childcare no longer requires the physical drudgery of the early years. It’s more of a project management role. Surely, then, both my husband and I can spend one day without arranging transportation or SAT prep courses. This year I’m willing to share my day. Um, I mean, our day.

Besides, with an able-bodied, almost-sixteen-year-old in the house, the laundry and cooking are in good hands.

Happy Father’s Day, and happy birthday to me.