Sunday 22 November 2015

Fifty five


Hello - it's me. My annual birthday self-portrait. My birthday was yesterday, and it was a much nicer day than I imagined it would be. My daughter and a dear friend secretly collaborated to make sure a wee boy had a present for his mum to open in the morning. And there were cards, messages, phone calls, and the sweetest video of a two year old lisping "Happy Birdy to ooo... "

Later, there was a community event at the hall - a Soup and Pudding lunch, and a car wash. It's alway a bit daunting going on my own to a public event, but, oh, how good it was to be among known faces. The kindness and love of this community has helped me so - so much. And thanks to the wonders of Facebook - several people knew it was my birthday too! Warmed by good wishes and a few hugs, I took a bowl of salt meat broth, and found a seat. (James disappeared almost at once, to play with friends.) The chat was pleasant, the food was good. I really had to try the chicken and rice soup too, and then there was dessert - hot puddings with custard, trifles, cheesecake, lemon meringue pie - the table overflowed with delights, and so did we, after filling our plates - maybe even twice? 

Later there was the fun of the raffle draw, as we laid out our tickets expectantly - groaning that we were 'so close!' and when one table seemed to win all the prizes. Isn't it always the way?

Then, after stocking up at the baking stall, we headed back home to already darkening skies. I lit a fire and we began to settle in for the evening. After a light tea, and another couple of birthday phone calls, I treated myself to a wee dram of malt whisky, with lots of water, and settled down to watch TV.

So - a lovely day, really. I missed John, a lot, though. He loved community events, and indeed, the last time there was a car wash, he was there, wearing his yellow wellies, helping to organise it. And yet, maybe he organised it all.. I like that thought.

On reflection, the main thing about yesterday was that I was not alone - that I was known, and the small fact of my being in this world was acknowledged. I felt loved, and what better birthday present than that?

Sláinte Mhath


42 comments:

  1. I was moved by this post, thank-you.

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  2. Very Happy Birthday Wishes winging their way to you.
    {hugs} x

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  3. Meal do naidheachd - an-dè!
    Thinking of you.
    Helen

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  4. many happy [belated] returns to you! i'm glad you had a good day - you have some lovely people in your life and you are so very loved and cared for. xoxox

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  5. Happy (bit late) Birthday! You were surrounded by love....that's what its all about.

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  6. Oh I am happy that you had a good Birthday. May His blessings shine upon your home and may Mother Earth hold you close!

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  7. Belated Birthday wishes. Good to know you didn't feel alone and that you felt the love, a beautiful gift.

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  8. Many happy returns of the day to you, dear Jacqui.

    A soup and pudding gathering sounds like a very comfortable gathering to be part of.

    xo to you and yours.

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  9. Happy belated birthday.
    so glad you were surrounded by loving people. I pray God gives you a hug today!

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  10. I'm glad that you felt loved Jacqui. You are known and loved the world over and I know of one women in SC who is thrilled beyond it all to call you friend!
    Much love.

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    1. The pleasure is all mine, Tracey xx

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  11. Happy Birthday, You don't know me but I feel privileged to have shared something of your life the last years via the blog.
    My very best wishes to you my dear.
    I salute your grace and spirit.
    God bless.
    J. P

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  12. Happy birthday for yesterday! It was mine too. hehehe
    It sounds like a tough day...I am so glad you had the love and support you needed x

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  13. I'm late but Joyeux anniversaire

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  14. very happy belated bithday wishes. That is one more "first" you have dealt with successfully.

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  15. Such a heart-warming post. Happy belated birthday, dear Jacqui. xx

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  16. That sounds like a lovely birthday; you described it so beautifully, thank you for the reminder about being known. Sarah

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  17. Yes, it was good that you weren't alone. I think John did have a hand in the day, he certainly made sure you were well cared for :-)

    Thank you for your loving words and prayers they are appreciated xx

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  18. A very happy, belated, birthday to you. I think to be known sounds like the most wonderful present ever. To be surrounded by a loving community wherever that is, is such a wonderful thing to have. May it stay with you forever.

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  19. There is no better feeling than to know that you are loved. It is good to acknowledge that.

    God bless and happy birthday to you.

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  20. happy birthday dear, I am so glad you were surrounded by your loved ones and friends and were busy. I know you miss John but I know he is in your heart and surrounds you. Take care.

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  21. A Happy 'Belated' Birthday to you...it was my birthday too. My very best wishes to you. God Bless You. Take care. xx

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  22. happy birthday, dearest Jacqui. I'm so happy that you had company and fun that produced smiles and laughter on your special day. thank you once again for sharing moments in your life. I wish you many blessings and much love for today and the coming year. Alison xx

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  23. A belated Happy Birthday to you! Mine was on the 10th, so I am in good company with a fellow Scorpio! Nothing that warms the heart more knowing that you are in good company. Much love from the wintry Canadian prairies!

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  24. So glad it was a happy day. We are glad that you're here! - Quinn Columba

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  25. Knowing your birthday was blessed not only because love was poured out on you but because you shared it with others. May the coming months rest easy on you. Happy Birthday.

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  26. Beautiful. Happy birthday. You look great!

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  27. Warm hugs and birthday wishes from across thousands of miles of ocean. Blessings on you.

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  28. A bittersweet day; but one spent in a loving, comforting community X

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  29. happy birthday to you and glad you were able to share it among friends. Thinking of John I am quite sure he would have been by your side as always. They never leave us or that's what I like to think.

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  30. Happy birthday Jacqui. I was lucky to spend mine with my girls eating a lovely lunch in Tobermory on Mull in the summer. I did miss my husband and it's a hard thing to get thru. My husband always gave me a present wrapped in a tea towell! This is how I increased my supplies so I had to buy one for myself this year. My lovely collie died suddenly on Friday and that has knocked us back abit so it was nice hear about your birthday. Ali x

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    1. Really sorry to read this, Ali. Gentle hugs xxx

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  31. Happy belated birthday to you Jacqui!! " On reflection, the main thing about yesterday was that I was not alone - that I was known, and the small fact of my being in this world was acknowledged. I felt loved, and what better birthday present than that? " These words brought tears to my eyes. So beautifully written. You are loved by so many!!! XOXO

    ~ Wendy

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  32. Happy belated birthday Jacqui, I'm glad it was ok for you, being surrounded by people who know, care and love us is worth more than any card or present xx

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  33. From Margie in Toronto - Co la breith sona dhut - sorry, I speak Gaelic a wee bit better than I spell it! So glad that you had a lovely day with family and friends.

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  34. Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes - it's so thoughtful of you all to take the time to visit xxx

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  35. I loved reading this Jacqui and I'm so glad you had a lovely day, surrounded by the gentleness, love and support you need. You are so right, there is no better birthday present than that of feeling loved and well done for "feeling the fear and doing it anyway" by going along to an event by yourself. That's another big step forward. Happy 55th Birthday! Sending you much love across the seas from Australia xo

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  36. Blessing, my dear, for your birthday. I know too well how difficult first birthdays without a loved one can be. But you'll find that the many kindnesses of friends and family will ease it, too.
    Oh, to be 55 again! I am looking at 81 next week and it continues to astound me when I do the numbers of my years.
    Another piece of advice given to me by good friends when I lost my husband in 2000 - - accept every invitation no matter what. You may not enjoy some as much but the getting out and being with others is a balm. Fondly - -

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  37. What a nice way to spend a special day! It's lovely to have our milestones (and faces) recognized, especially when we're feeling a difference in the days.

    We just had our own Thanksgiving celebration last night, due to work schedules and visits, and our quiet little family "do" turned into a cascade of electricians and Power Company people and workmen flashing great beams into the windows as they tromped about outside for an hour, and we're STILL in long sleeves and jumpers, for our furnace is still out. . Our dinner was delayed for three hours, but was absolutely perfect from the moment we sat down. It's strange how even a tiny upheaval will change our perception of even ordinary things. You made me remember my own young days just after my children's father passed away---every "FIRST TIME" was so different, with comfort's familiars and oddness of the strange, all at once.

    I'm way over here in the Heartland, lifting my own wee dram in honor of your birthday, and of your strength and courage and dedication to that sweet young man in your life.

    rachel

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  38. Slainte mhor (think that's the spelling). Have carefully marked this so that I remember in time next year. I do realize that the last birthday is way late!

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  39. I thought I might comment on your birthday post....I just wanted you to know, that I think about you so often.

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