You know one of the many things I was so grateful to my mummy for?? She taught me the importance of celebrating people on their birthday. Either with a call, text, just a piece of store bought cake or outing. Sometimes she would be my reminder with quick messages like, “make sure call – cause it’s him/her birthday and he/she would love to hear from you.” At times when it’s a relative whom I know I hadn’t spoken to for a while, I would often question the need to send a message but when I did follow through with it, she was right – the birthday person would be delighted!! There was something special about making sure you reach out to tell someone on their important day that they have been a blessing with just their presence.

In life, its not presents that count – it’s someone’s presence that does.

I was reminded of this in October 2011 when I had taken on a couple of things which had my funds tied up. Knowing my mummy’s birthday was coming up I was anxious. What could I possibly gift to her and not seem like I was scraping?!? I talked to her almost daily so she pretty much knew of my struggles and how that would weigh on me so, she asked she asked for my time and skill. I was told that the only thing she wanted from me for her birthday was for me to cook my “family famous” crab soup and dough. Family was invited to gather and feast upon crab n dough, smothered fish (for the non-meat eaters) and libations – of course, there was libations!!

Whenever you realize that you have the chance to wish someone “Happy Birthday”, do so cheerfully and with sincere blessings for them to flourish in the year. If you know me personally and I forget to reach out on that day, belated greetings count too!!

I received many messages and some family shared their day with her by having a glass of red wine so, with that being said, I invite you to grab whatever drink that you would like and say a quick “Happy Birthday” to my heavenly Queen – my mother.