HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Tess!

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What can I give you my friend? 

I know a wish and a prayer that you will be showered with all the blessings of good health and pure joy ……

That you continue to hear with your heart like you said your mother always taught you..,,

I believe that you and I were meant to be friends when we became more acquainted walking/jogging during the onset of the pandemic lockdown. 

We found joy picking fallen mangoes even when you had plenty from your tree. We recited English literature quotes we both know by heart. We found common interest in cooking, exercise, diet and best health practices. 

From you I learned to take amazing photos of sunrises and sunsets that gave me more awareness and better appreciation of nature as a whole. 

I introduced you to sun gazing after which you got hooked and did it at sunrise and sunset. To the 7-day cabbage soup diet that you really did not need but did it anyway and you finished with flying colors. You always succeed in any endeavor whenever you set your heart to it. 

You finally made it on the fourth attempt to fly to your family in Rotterdam; at the airport you messaged me:

“Thank you very much for our wonderful mornings, they were the highlights of my day. I didn’t find the time to write you a card but my driver will bring over the twin Beringer, my thank you gift.”  

Wow! I gained a friend, I soon realized that you appreciated my friendship as I did yours. This quote is true: “ to make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be rich or perfect, you just have to care”. 

I never told you that I was sad the day you left, suddenly I felt so alone. So I went to find Juliet, had a chat before I went home. 

I looked forward to the day you will be back so we can walk again. It was a long 18 months until things got better and airports started operating. 

I met some friends when you were away and you embraced them all when you returned and the Sweet Magnolias was formed. 

You are such a lover of life that nothing seems to bother you; even the weather seems to cooperate; more often than not, the rain gives us a breather so we can complete our 10,000 steps. 

A bit of rainfall won’t bother you, “it’s just water; no need for umbrellas”,  you say. And if rain pours you serve breakfast in your home. 

You were sincere in telling me about your exemplary humble beginnings; yet the beach is your backyard. Lucky you!  Like you I was also open about who I am, no pretense, only pure honesty, a great foundation for a lasting friendship; if I may say so. 

Let me conclude with a prayer that The Lord will always keep you safe and protect you with a steady health of mind and body, and may the angels and saints uplift your spirits always. 

Now blow that candle, cut the cake, pop that bubbly and be merry, happy birthday!