I just saw this post. A belated Happy Birthday!
I'm sorry to hear your birthday was less than special. That sucks.
Some birthdays are harder than others. I now take matters into my own hands so my birthday is EXACTLY how I want it to be. I removed my birthday from Facebook years ago because I don't want random acquaintances to call/message and wish me, and important people to remember through FB. I had these feelings on my 30th Birthday. I had suffered a big personal loss and was hoping for a 'cheer-me-up' gesture from someone else, no one remembered my birthday, my husband was equally distraught and while he tried, the birthday wasn't such a success, and it was just another terrible day.
I learnt my lesson. Even when things are going crazy in my life (which was also the case last year), I take that day to celebrate just MYSELF. I do whatever brings me peace and happiness and I forget about people and who,how,why remembered my birthday. To tell you the truth, once my parents and sister talk to me on the phone and wish me, I switch off the phone and then I forget the world.
I am glad your family came through and gave you the love and support you deserve. In the end, that is all that matters.