When people asked what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I considered asking for something material… a new computer… a shed for my yard… but, ‘things’ wear out, get broke, or lost, and its the people that count. So, I thought again, and decided that what I really wanted was to throw a party, and to have my brother play for everyone.
You see, my big brother’s a talented singer and guitar player who, for decades, has been entertaining fans in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec with an energetic and often hilarious one-man-show, none of my Niagara friends had seen him, and I wanted them to know how amazing he is. Unfortunately, he’d have to drive hundreds of miles, as well as perform, which seemed like too much to ask. So, I doubted he’d be willing.
Thus, when my boyfriend offered to take me on a vacation, instead, I gratefully accepted, and we spent a week this February exploring sunny Sosua, in the Dominican Republic. There, we snorkeled, went horseback riding, and sipped campaign from a floating bar and, when all was said and done, I felt completely spoiled!
Then, just before my birthday, my brother called, said he’d herd about my wanting the party and all and, much to my great surprise, said he’d do it. Grateful, I rushed to throw a party together and, last weekend, my brother and his family visited, and we had a blast despite uncooperative weather. Again, as we said our ‘goodbyes’, I thought I’d had the best birthday ever(!)
Then, as if I hadn’t already been spoiled enough, on my actual birthday, my two ‘BFFs’ took me out… dinner at a fine Italian restaurant, drinks at my favorite bar… It was fabulous! And, by the time I got home that night, tears were welling in my eyes as I thought about how truly blessed I am.
You know, I always kinda’ figured that turning 50 would suck but, thanks to my BF, family, and friends, I’ve found out that its the best thing that could have happened to me, and I can’t wait to see what other ‘gifts’ this year brings.