The working theory is that Harry Potter was born July 31, 1980, making him a year older than I am. All across the world there will be celebrations of this wonderful wizard. In Northern Colorado, there are tons of options to choose from (located at the end of this blog). I intend to go to as many events as I can, have a movie marathon and definitely throw in a bit of cosplay. 

All of these events got me thinking about my life as it entwines with Harry’s. ​Which also leads me to thinking about my mom.

If he is in fact one year older than I am, then while Harry Potter was being locked in a cabinet, my mom was helping me crimp my hair and curl my bangs every morning before school. When Harry Potter was taking his O.W.L exams, my mom was teaching me how to drive. Sometime after Harry had defeated He Who Shall Not be Named, my mom was trying to cheer me up by giving me a book to read.

The story of how Harry Potter became an obsession for me started in 1999, soon after the first book was published. It was the summer right before my senior year of high school, and I was packing up everything I knew to move from Colorado to Minnesota.  My dad was being transferred for work, and I was along for the ride. When we got to our new state, depression hit.  A whole summer stood before me, in an unknown place, feeling homesick, without friends.  So, my mom, trying to help, ventured to the bookstore to find me some fictional friends and places to fill my time.

My mom definitely did her research to find out the coolest book to give her nearly eighteen year old daughter.  Although I didn’t know (or admit) it at the time, my mom was always hip on new trends and usually much more in the know about up and coming things than I will ever be.  Regularly, she would buy me something, I would scoff, turn my nose up at it, only to end up loving it like a year after it had gone out of style.  My mom had a knack for predicting what things I would love. This was certainly the case with the book my mom bought me, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. ​

I remember my mom bing excited to present me the book.  We stood in my new bedroom in the basement of my new house surrounded by my old life in boxes.  She handed me a book and told me all the kids were reading it.  One look at the cover caused my best teenage eye roll.  I told my mom, “this is a kids book,” and I threw it on a shelf beside my bed.  Looking back, I should have listened to my mother.  It wasn’t until about a year later that I finally read the book.  I will say it…my mom was right.  So, definitely right. I loved the book. I went on to read the next three books in like a week, and read each of the rest of them right when they came out.  Although I don’t think I ever admitted it to her how right she was, I’m sure she knew as she watched me get more and more obsessed with the books. I even got the opportunity to go to Harry Potter Land in Florida with my mom…twice.  I have lots of great memories of Harry Potter and my mother.  

My mother died of breast cancer two years ago.  I miss her more than words can say, but memories like this keep her close. When the dementors are close and sadness threatens to crush me, Harry Potter is my patronus.

I hope to one day introduce my own daughter to the world of Harry Potter, and that she will listen to her mother. So far, so good. So, happy birthday Harry and J.K. Rowling.  Thank you for providing a light in the darkness. And mom, thank you for always listening to me, you were always right.  I love you.

If you plan on celebrating and live in Northern Colorado, check out the events below.

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Harry Potter Craft Night (all ages)
July 28th at 7 PM
Council Tree Library (2733 Council Tree Ave.)
Experience a magical evening of fun-filled crafts and activities like wand-making, scavenger hunts, and wizard duels. This event is sponsored by Fort Collins Comic Con.

Harry Potter Pet Walk (all ages)
July 29th 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Library Park (201 Peterson St.)
Come one, come all to the Harry Potter Pet Walk! Join Fort Collins Comic Con and enjoy a nerdy day out with your beloved pets. The costume contest will begin at 11 am and no pre-registration is necessary.

Harry Potter Birthday Party (kids)
July 29th at 6 PM
Old Firehouse Books (232 Walnut St)
Celebrate the birthday of our favorite boy wizard with refreshments, activities, and trivia! Costumes encouraged.
Tickets $5

Eve O’ Harry Potter’s Pre-birthday (18+)
July 29th 7 PM
Dungeons & Drafts (1624 S. Lemay Ave, Unit 6)
Ultimate Harry Potter Trivia will begin at 8 PM and the costume contest will begin at 10:30 PM shortly after trivia. Special Harry Potter themed menu and drink options will be available!

Happy Birthday Harry Potter (ages 12-18)
July 31st from 1 PM – 3 PM
Harmony Library (4616 S. Shields St)
Attention all Wizards and Witches, Muggles and Squibs (ages 12-18)! We are pleased to inform you that you are invited to a birthday party for Harry Potter! Dress up like your favorite character and come prepared for a magical afternoon full of trivia, games, crafts, and of course, cake.