The birthday invitations had been sent and most of the guests had replied mainly in the affirmative. The only other birthday party I can remember is a party when I was just thirteen. It was 1970 and I wore my hippy pants with huge white flowers on an indigo background. We played all the rock and roll greats and had fun. It lasted me forty seven years. This year with the big number looming I had no where to hide! Ten years ago when I turned fifty the family went on a cruise from Sydney to the South Pacific. On my fortieth birthday Merv and I went to Geraldton and there was little memory of my thirtieth. Turning eighteen was no milestone in 1975 and my diary entry said I went to visit my best friend. No mention of a cake. When I turned twenty one it was a Tuesday. Dustin was only 14 months old. Merv had asked his Great Aunt (who made our wedding cake) to decorate a cake for me. A few family members called in to have a drink and slice of cake and that was it.
I was way overdue for a birthday party. No hippy pants and long hair for this one!
Merv had been in respite the week before and Mel attended a camp a few days beforehand.I even stayed with a friend who lives an hour south of me for a fun filled weekend. We went to Laughter Yoga together, visited her communal veggie garden plot and worked at her son's farm before dining out in the evening. It was fabulous to have a break from showering and caring for Merv.
My birthday was the Tuesday before my celebration the following Saturday. It was a warm, sunny crisp day. We went out for lunch with Maureen and had a great day.
My birthday celebration arrived and the sky was grey turning black. The wind howled and the rain poured and spluttered. It was no spring shower!
I had expected a whole list of text messages from my dear friends saying the weather was atrocious and they would have to cancel. I looked at my phone - nothing. I looked later and there was nothing.
They all took the freeway with non stop rain lashing and black evil skies and arrived happy and smiling at the local restaurant I had chosen.
I gulped; it was difficult enough to get Merv from our house to the restaurant in the rain. With the help of family it was easily achieved.
I felt very special. Blessed that so many would brave the elements to celebrate with me and doubly blessed that they chose to do so. How special is that!
It was such an amazing celebration. My family and friends were all delighted in the restaurant and the excellent service and food provided. I was so impressed how organised and helpful they were ensuring everything ran smoothly. They had arranged the cake, poured the champers. It was just perfect.
Afterwards my city friends visited our new house (all that hard work renovating paid off!) before they once again battled the weather to return on their long journey home.
A very special day.
