On Monday I turned 21 for the second time around. (That’s how I’m going to put it, ok.) This birthday feels more significant than 40 and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the sense that change is coming.

A huge apricot rose by my window bloomed magnificently- way out of season- just for me. Maybe we’re both late bloomers.

A very dear friend organised an intimate table for a ladies’ High Tea for Sunday. It was the most thoughtful thing. Yes, I do love a High Tea (who wouldn’t?) but she wanted to do this because the weeks surrounding my 40th were a health disaster. Thanks to shock liver poisoning from a rare allergy, I was sick and yellow and couldn’t have a party. Recovery took weeks, even months. On the night, my husband and I just took a hotel room for a rest, a massage, a sleep in and brunch. It was very nice indeed, yet not quite right. Perfect for an anniversary perhaps, but big birthdays are meant to be had with friends.

I looked forward to High Tea for weeks. I thought I was excited about the whole lot but as soon as I arrived and saw my beautifully dressed, smiling friends, (anti-candida notwithstanding) I knew the rows of sweet delights were not at all why. I had the company of a handful of lovely, busy people all taking the time to stop and be with me. It was a gorgeous afternoon and I felt enormous gratitude. Not just toward my beautiful friend who arranged this, but universal gratitude for my good fortune in knowing such wonderful people, who are happy to know me back.

Later, two of us left standing went to cross off another activity on my wish list: to celebrate a Eurovision Grand Final party, with Twitter, at a gay bar in front of a wide screen. Man that was fun and interactive. For some inexplicable reason, there were young folk in animal onesies EVERYWHERE. Or maybe the unicorn was quietly one half of the UK coat of arms? Poor old  Bonnie Tyler. No one votes for the UK. One lone Irish supporter loyally waved his flag. But the cheering for the Irish drummers and Romanian Vampiric Opera singer were wild. SO much fun. Thank you S for being my date!

Monday morning, a lovely timing co-incidence occurred. My dad came around as he often does, to update me on the house building and ask me why coffee isn’t ready yet. Then he fixed our bathroom taps and sat down. Next, my mother turned up. How about that. There I was, alone with both my parents’ undivided attention. Who CARES how old I am? It’s still cool!

It’s been over half my life already they haven’t been together- they’re more like brother and sister now. The point is, they are happy to see each other and cross paths often. They call each other for updates on my Dad’s elderly parents (who are still my Mum’s surrogate parents- hers are long gone).

Mum’s known my grandparents since she was sixteen and to them she’s still the daughter they never had. Some people find this hard to get their heads around. I guess it’s when that happens I realise how unusual it might be and again how lucky I am, to have such a close knit and unconditional family. Yes I got some lovely treats and trinkets, but family and friends who care about you will always be the greatest gift. It’s just when birthdays come around, I get spoilt all at once. Sometimes, all you do need is love.

Linking with Essentially Jess for #IBOT.

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