Birthdays come but once a year

        Isn't it great to celebrate birthdays with loved ones. Today, it's my eldest sons birthday. For once he is in the country, actually staying with me. Unluckily for him, away from his little family for a while, for business reasons. So, I have him to myself. Something which is a very rare occurrence. In fact, I don't remember the last time that happened. Maybe twenty or more years ago, at least. This year, for he, and I, is a special one. I got to see him in the morning, met him for lunch, and we are going to the cinema tonight. Imagine, a whole birthday with my boy. The cinema is something we both enjoy doing, his choice of film of course. I have already enjoyed half the day, I shall enjoy the rest too. Marvelous! Perhaps more of a treat for the old mother, than the son. Ha ha.

        I find that now I'm older, I no longer care about my own birthdays any more. I really don't want anything in the way of presents, or is that need anything. Of course if someone was to gift me a new car, or a holiday home, or a diamond bracelet, I might change my mind. Ha ha. In my family, as that is not likely to happen, birthdays can pass me by. I have so many toiletries, and bric a brac, I have no where to put anything else. Occasionally, I get something that has been chosen with great care, and I am touched. One year my NZ family gave me a wonderful lacy, lilac scarf. A long one, I can wind around my neck in the winter, and I love it. People used to be able to give me jewelry, but I don't wear it anymore. Earring hurt my ears, and I forget to put on necklaces. All I wear in a few bracelets, each one given me years ago by a close family member.

            I'm not ungrateful, I understand there is not a lot of money to spend on presents. That is why I feel it's such a waste. I would rather the family put that money to their own lives, and not think I expect any sort of a present. A card, or good wishes, a phone call, or a visit I love. That's personal, that means something. I can value that. But to stack up gifts just because it's the done thing, makes no sense to me at all. Yes, sometimes as Is ay, the thought behind the gift touches me. But that is exactly what it is. It is the thought that counts. Exactly right! That's all I want.

             So, today, now it's ended, I can enthuse about. I began this blog half way through the day. Today I got to spend precious quality time with my son. We began his journey together, when he was born, it's great he wants to clock up a little more. He has become more than a son. He is a friend too. We have had more fun time together than many son, and mother get to enjoy. We shared a house a few times. Even different countries a few times. 

              Truly, I am blessed with my children, especially today with my birthday boy. Yes, he will always be a boy to me. Even though he is already older than I admit to being. It's great how that magic of number crunching works isn't it?  It's something you must have to enjoy life to the full. A sense of humour, better yet, a sense of the ridiculous. It gives life a richness, a glow, that nothing else does.

              Therefore my friends, make the most of every special occasion.  Celebrate, not so much the years, but the special bonds. Each celebration adds to your store of wonderful memories.

               We all know there will be not so pleasant memories, harder times that must come to all our lives, but strengthen your family bonds by enjoying every opportunity to laugh, and have fun together.

Today, was just that. I had a. Really great time, and. I know he did too. It will carry me through the years when we celebrate apart.

               Happy days...... Spread the love