Celebration

​In August, my mother-in-law and a friend organized a birthday party for me. First, my in-laws arrived with a bag full of presents. Then, the next evening, friends showed up with gifts, food, and various instruments. On the deck lay a table covered with a tablecloth and full of serving plates with food and cakes.  Luckily for that time of August, the day was mild. People sat on chairs and benches under the sun. Everyone was talking, including me. When evening came, guitars, ukuleles, and percussion instruments came out, and we sang, one song after another.
The weather, the music, and the pure joy that surrounded us made me happy. For days on end, when I felt down and frustrated, I would remember my birthday, and feel grateful – for the friendship, the songs, the sun, the enjoyment, and the love; especially the love.